I’ve mentioned before that when it comes to Ethical Fashion, there seems to be a million different directions that you can take it. Sometimes it feels that if you put your toe in the water, the very next second you’re drowning under the weight of all of the information out there.
I know I feel that way on a regular basis. And it’s not just ethical fashion: its eating healthfully, it’s parenting, it’s beauty products… everything really. There seems to always be a better choice, and there seems to always be someone ready to critique your decision.
I remember one time when Kit was only a few months old, we were at Ikea in the elevator and an older lady scolded me for not having socks on her (never mind the fact that she was wearing a fleece outfit and under a huge fleece blanket with only her toes peeking out). When I responded with some sort of surprised answer, she fired back “mom’s these days. When I was raising my children I would have never let my baby go out barefoot.” It was a pretty awkward elevator ride for the rest of the time.
My point with that story is that no matter what life decision you make, there will always be someone there to tell you it’s a bad idea.
Why am I telling you all of this? Because, well, I’ve been thinking about leather lately.
Leather is one of those things in the ethical fashion world that people can get really worked up about.
Here’s the thing: I’m not a vegan and so I am not totally opposed to purchasing leather goods. That’s just the way it is. I’ve done research on veganism, and maybe at some point I’ll try it, but right now I’m not.
However, I am opposed to the way the leather industry is polluting our planet.
So while I’m not opposed to purchasing leather goods just because they are leather, I’ve decided that I will avoid it as much as possible (or buy them secondhand) because of the impact the leather making process is having on our world.
Because of that, I love coming across designers that are using a leather alternative, and also making really cute goods. One of these stores I recently came across is a fellow Minnesotan (represent!) brand called Nest Pure.
Samantha makes bags with the cutest organic fabrics, natural cork, and vegan leather accents. The style that I’m wearing in these pictures is the large Grommet Bag in Aztec Green. It’s such a well made bag, with such high quality materials that you don’t miss the leather. I really love it!
Even better, Samantha has been kind enough to offer Truncation readers a 20% discount with the coupon code TRUNCATION20 (it expires on June 26). She has tons of patterns in a few different sizes, so make sure to head on over and check out her bags!
What do you think? Do you choose to wear leather still? Or do you avoid it? I’d love to know what your thoughts are… let me know in the comments below!
Outfit Details:
Tank: Poshmark Madewell. USA Made Option.
Denim: Poshmark Madewell. Similar USA Made Option.
Heels: Thrifted on eBay. Similar Ethical Option.
Bag: c/o Nest Pure (20% off until 6/26 with code TRUNCATION20)
Until next time,
So cute!!
I don’t think I seek leather out. Leather can be extremely expensive, and I don’t think I own any clothing that is 100% leather. I don’t own a leather coat, they are all faux. Probably only handbags or shoes, and I’m sure they are not 100%. I don’t believe in wearing fur at all, or other animals. I personally can’t do it. Great read!
http://www.lesleyandeve.com
You look adorable. Per the usual. I’m kind of seething right now over your encounter in the elevator at IKEA. I might have been tempted to give into my baser nature and said something like, “judgemental *#@holes these days”. 🙂 But that might just be me.
I LOVE that bag. Just the right size and super cute!
I love your heels, I have a pair just like them! Also your daughter is so sweet!
La Belle Sirene
Love the fit of those jeans! So chic!
xox
Krista
http://www.hundredblog.com
I can’t believe that encounter you had in the elevator! That’s crazy!
I have a traveler’s notebook that’s made of leather, but other than that I don’t think I own anything that’s made of leather. I’m not 100% opposed to leather, but I don’t feel a need to own anything made of it… aside from my traveler’s notebook, I guess.
Love this look! That bag is SO fun!!
xo Ashley
That bag is super cute! I just love that tribal kind of print.
Cute outfit! I LOVE the shoes!!
Your daughter is adorable! That little top pony is so sweet 🙂
This is such a cute look! I love that color and your shoes are darling!
Your shoes are so fabulous! I adore them!
I’ll be honest, I still wear leather. Most of my stuff is manmade because I’m cheap, but I do have a leather belt, and some leather cowboy boots. I grew up on a farm. We use every bit of our animals, and I believe it is not unethical to do that. I do believe that companies need to be more ethical in how they go about that, and animals should not be treated the way they are, but I’m still totally fine with eating a cow and wearing his skin after he has lived a life in a sunny pasture.
That bag is adorable! I believe I am in the same boat as you when it comes to leather. It is not something I have really been against or for, but I do like have better ethical options for it. The purse I have now is a faux-leather purse and has been my go-to bag for over 3 years now. I am almost ready to switch it for a new purse, but I am so picky! When I do find the right purse, it will be my first ethically purchased purse, and that I am excited for!