These photos were taken the last day that we were in Florida. David and I got the chance to sneak away for a bit, but we had to leave for our flight at 3:30 the next morning so it was a brief escape.
We enjoyed a drink together (or as best we could… I was pretty miserable with mouth pain. I thought I had an intense canker sore, but it turned out to be hand, foot, and mouth. Gag!), and then just walked the beach for awhile. It was honestly a really lovely night even if it was short lived.
You might recognize this dress from this post earlier in the summer, but its gone through some changes. For awhile now, I’ve loved everything about it except for the sleeves. I’m not sure why I didn’t like the sleeves… I just didn’t.
So I decided to take them off! I was a little nervous because this dress was an investment, but ultimately I knew I would be a lot happier without them.
It ended up being completely doable. And it got me inspired to work on some other clothes that I wanted to make changes to.
So one morning while my girls were playing I pulled out my pile and within 45 minutes I had worked my way through a pile of mending… all with a simple needle and thread.
I think it’s so easy to think our clothes are done for, even if the damages to them are minimal.
But just a tiny bit of effort gives them new life (and sometimes even a new look!).
This to me is the very foundation of ethical fashion. Using what you already own, and if it’s not working anymore, finding a way to re-purpose it.
Because ultimately the most ethical way to dress is to wear what you already have, and fight the urge to consume endlessly.
SO yeah! Pretty excited about this dress. I’ve already worn it a lot more than I did before I took the sleeves off. Yay!
What about you? Do you mend your clothes? Do you know how? I’m thankful that my mom taught me how to use a needle and thread at an early age.
Until next time,
Karin
Copy my look:
Outfit formula: Sundress in a floaty material. Wrap Sandals.
Totally get this. I bought an incredible splurge (Elizabeth Suzann Georgia in the silk crepe) and the first day I wore it, I got a grease stain on the front. I just about had a heart attack. (one of those “this is why we can’t have nice things moments.) but I took a deep breath, and googled silk grease stains. I put a buttload of cornstarch on the stain overnight and washed the shirt, and bang, good as new. If it had been a fast fashion shirt, I would have tossed it without thinking, but since it was an investment, I made the effort and still have an amazing piece in my closet.
No!!! ugh! I’m so glad you were able to get it out! I would have been so sick about it…