FASHION | Sustainable Fashion without the Expensive Price Tag

Hey Guys,

A few months ago I dabbled in Sustainable Fashion with positive intentions of making an impact. I quickly realized that the word “Sustainable Fashion” was a synonym for “Expensive”. I wanted to spend my money in places I care about and that means making the earth just a little bit more eco-friendly (keep in mind your girl is on a tiny budget). What does sustainable fashion look like and where do I start? I started looking into sustainable brands but they were pricey AF! Not all of us have $300 to spend on ONE pair of jeans. It got even worst guys I purchased a some-what affordable option ($100 pair of jeans) from a Brand that was sustainable but found out that the CEO was ousted by the media because she was racist. I had to return my purchase because it doesn’t help the BLM movement.

“I quickly realize that the word “Sustainable Fashion” was a synonym for “Expensive”.

I felt HOPELESS. How can I achieve sustainable fashion and balance putting my money in the right places. The ANSWER is that there is NO RIGHT ANSWER. You got to do what’s right for you! If purchasing $300 jeans is not a sustainable lifestyle for you that means it’s not SUSTAINABLE. I’ve always been a FAST FASHION kind of gal and there’s nothing wrong with that. So I wanted to share my way of helping:

HERE’S HOW I’M DOING MY PART

  1. Buy from Small, Black and Brown owned business. Remember where you spend your dollar goes a looonnng way. Where you put your money impact the communities you care about. This is how wealth is built.

  2. Fast Fashion: Buy pieces that you will rewear a bunch of times instead of one-time trends. I’m not going to stop buying fast fashion brand but I will limit my spending and purchase more versatile pieces I can rewear.

  3. Buy timeless pieces and not trends. I’m guilty here I tend to buy trends that I only wear 1 time and throw away. I’m going to be more concussions of my purchases in this sector.

  4. Invest in Quality Pieces. I use to chose quantity of quality. Bought 20 purses that only lasted a few month each. Now I’m choosing to spend a little more for a quality item that will last way longer. Examples are Northface jackets and designer handbags.

  5. Up Cycle, Share, Shop Vintage. Try swapping clothes with your friends and family. Buy vintage and used clothing. Donate your unwanted clothes or recreate them.

Melissa Khoeum Barnett | Sustainable Fashion
Here’s an example of versatile pieces from fast fashion brands. I chose a nice brown coat and black sweat suit. These pieces are pretty neutral and I can rewear, mix, match and style the clothing for multiple looks.

Here’s an example of versatile pieces from fast fashion brands. I chose a nice brown coat and black sweat suit. These pieces are pretty neutral and I can rewear, mix, match and style the clothing for multiple looks.

I thrifted this Champion Shirt from a GoodWill for $2. I love the fact that the color is faded and had signs of wear and tear it goes with my street style… that yeezy type look without buy something new to look old.

I thrifted this Champion Shirt from a GoodWill for $2. I love the fact that the color is faded and had signs of wear and tear it goes with my street style… that yeezy type look without buy something new to look old.

P.S. I’m not perfect and probably wont ever be but I’ll try my best to do what I think is right. THERE ISN’T A RIGHT WAY - DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!

P.S.S. I’ll show you how I rework my fast fashion purchaseS to be more sustainable.

Thanks for Reading!

-Melissa Barnett

Melissa Khoeum