STEP ZERO: ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR PRIVILEGE

First and foremost, we must acknowledge that it is a great privilege to choose to switch to a more conscious wardrobe. We all have a different socioeconomic background and choosing to shop for clothes in a more conscious manner might not be a priority when our basic needs aren't being met.

STEP ONE: WRITE IT DOWN

Ask yourself why you want to make the switch and write down a couple of reasons. This can serve as a reminder every time you're about to put that fast fashion item in your cart.

STEP TWO: RESEARCH

Research the negative effects of fast fashion. There are a lot of articles regarding this and even some documentaries. This can help you write down your reasons to why you want to quit fast fashion.

STEP THREE: LEARN THE LINGO

Here are some of the basic terms everyone should learn

• Ethical: "usually refers to the treatment of people. Are the workers paid a living wage? Are they given proper breaks?"

• Sustainable: "refers to the effect that production of a garment has on the world around us. How is it taken from the earth and how will it return to the earth? How much waste is involved in the manufacturing process? If it never biodegrades, it’s not truly sustainable."

• Slow fashion: "is the antithesis of fast fashion. It is high-quality garments that are designed with a long-term lifecycle in mind. In a perfect world, every item we bought would be slow fashion – but that would require us to no longer subscribe to a trend- driven market."

• Conscious Fashion: is often used synonymously by the fashion industry with “ethical”, “sustainable” or “eco” fashion. It’s a bit of a catchall phrase that ends up being popular with brands that greenwash

• Fair Trade: "is a partnership that refers to marginalized producers getting a fair wage for their product when it is sold in more affluent countries. Prices for fair-trade materials must never fall below market price."

*Definitions used from article written by Aja Barber "Conscious, ethical and cruelty-free: a guide to the language of sustainable fashion" https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2019/dec/19/conscious-ethical-and-cruelty-free- a-guide-to-the-language-of-sustainable-fashion

STEP SEVEN: CHOOSE SECONDHAND

Shopping secondhand is not only one of the most affordable ways to shop more consciously, but it’s also environmentally friendly. By shopping secondhand, you are:

• Preventing textile waste

• Using and wasting less resources

• Some thrift stores give back to the community or support a great cause

• You can find some unique and amazing pieces second hand

• You don't always have to spend money to "shop" second hand. You can also host a clothing swap with your friends!

Don't let the cheap thrifting prices get to you though. It can be easy to overspend and buy things you don't need just because they're cheap. Always make conscious and very picky decisions at the thrift store!

Check out my highlights section for my mini L.A thrifting guide!

STEP EIGHT: INVEST IN WELL MADE PIECES

When you're finally ready to invest in your closet, look for brands that are ethical and sustainable.

Some of my favorite brands are:

• Sotela

• ABLE

• Two Days Off Clothing

• Tradlands

• Patagonia

Many of these brands are pricey, so think long and hard and don't shop aimlessly. Make sure that these pieces will be a functional item that goes with the rest of your closet and can be worm multiple ways. Thankfully, some of these brands offer Afterpay which has helped me to be able to afford some of my investment pieces.

STEP NINE: TAKE IT DAY BY DAY

The switch to a more conscious closet won’t always happen overnight. Don't stress yourself out too much and don't feel guilty for wearing those fast fashion items you bought years ago. Remind yourself why you made this conscious decision and how positive these choices are.