Hey gang, how are we?
I truly hope all is good, that you had a fabulous weekend and you’ve got a fun week ahead of you. I have to be honest here, I’m writing this almost one week prior to the live date of this blogpost which isn’t something I usually like to do as I like to keep things relevant and up-to-date as much as I can as we all know how much can change in the space of a week.
But hey, this week is insanely hectic, it’s one of the most exciting weeks in a long ole while and as is with buses, it has all come at once!
I’m heading to Paris for the night with L’Oreal, something that has been booked in for ages now and a trip that was supposed to be a lot longer but unfortunately clashed with something INSANELY exciting thats is taking place on Thursday, but that will all be revealed very soon!
I’m really buzzing to have a completely jam packed, anxiety inducing yet totally exciting week ahead of me and to finally see some things I’ve been working on for absolutely AGES come to life, it’s all go go go for me right now and I’m really rather enjoying it!
But enough about me, today I thought we’d chat about something that has been playing on my mind a lot lately, something that I’m really trying to incorporate into my life but admittedly I am struggling with, but learning from every single day nonetheless. I’ve wanted to discuss this topic for a while but I’ve been a little concerned with how to approach it in all honesty as there are many opinions on the matter and admittedly I'm not all that educated thus far. But hey, seeing as I have my favourite set of images EVER to share with you today (Rosie you bloody nailed it) and seeing as we’re looking at what I imagine to be my AW18 uniform, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to finally broach the subject.
First up lets chat through said AW18 uniform which includes this rather fabulous Topshop boiler suit that I’ve worn SO much already this season. It’s made from the thickest of denim so I must admit it has always resulted in being a bit of a mistake whenever I’ve worn it as the weather isn’t quite cold enough just yet but hey, it looks absolutely freaking bad ass don’t you think?
I’m REALLY into the structure of this piece, the thick denim means it is rigid in all the right places with the contrast white stitching working to emphasise that defined silhouette whilst adding a touch of seventies meets utility goodness. Boiler suits seem to be doing the rounds this season and I’m really bloody loving it! They’re a super easy piece to wear as it’s just one stand alone piece, so not a lot of brain power is required for styling. However, throw in a high neck top or a T-shirt underneath, some fun jewellery and when it’s cold enough a faux fur jacket and you can completely mix up the look.
For this transitional period go for a pair of white boots like these absolute angels by Topshop, with it’s pointed toe, Chelsea boot black panelling and super interesting sculptured wooden heel. These boots are quite honestly my dream boots as they add a real bit of interest to all of my outfits; the pointed toe works to elongate your legs and is really, truly flattering and I can’t quite express just how INSANELY comfortable they are! They also come in black and red which I am really rather tempted by I must say.
So there we have the boiler suit, the white boots and now for my AW18 handbag that will absolutely be on repeat this season *drum roll* my vintage Dior Saddlebag!!! I simply can not get enough of it’s beauty, it’s versatility and it’s all round fabulousness, I feel that it adds something really rather special to all my outfits whilst also being seriously close to my heart as mentioned in this post here. I’ve recently had a cross body strap made for it too so I am seriously excited to style it up in some other ways throughout the colder months too.
And now for whats been on my mind lately and I think on the mind of many of us from what I’m seeing online on both my channels and the channels of those I follow; Consumerism, overspending and being a little more eco-friendly when it comes to all things fashion.
It’s a tricky subject to approach, especially with a career that I’ve built through sharing my outfits and essentially what is new in my wardrobe and new on both the catwalks and on the high street.
I started this journey into blogging almost 6 years ago now, first up sharing my first steps into the fashion industry through interning which then evolved into sharing my daily outfits that I shot on my parents driveway at 7am every morning before work. For years I worked day in and day out, to build this world for me and for you, an online space where I shared what was new in my wardrobe in the hope that it would inspire you, your wardrobe and your styling. Every last penny that I earned went back into my wardrobe and the cycle would start again: share whats new, admittedly wear only once or twice and then share the new again.
And it worked a treat, I loved it and you guys loved it and then we all grew smarter, we became more savvy with our purchases, with the damage we as consumers are doing to the environment and that kind of fresh, new-in content just didn’t have the same appeal anymore.
And whilst I still LOVE sharing whats new from my favourite brands and I know that sharing the latest trends and pieces from my wardrobe is still very much appreciated by you lot and is still the basis of what I do, I’m really trying to be better with what I spend my money on, what I add to my wardrobe and the message I pass on to you.
Whilst I still have a long way to go when it comes to educating myself on the damage the fashion industry is having on the environment I am much less frivolous with adding things to my ASOS basket willy nilly, with saying yes to kind gifts from my favourite brands and I certainly don’t wear things only once anymore.
Having spent September on a clothing spending ban and seeing how this hasn’t affected my content one bit, it’s really opened my eyes some more with how I see my content evolving from here on out. I’m of course going to share the odd new piece that really sets my soul alight, I’m going to work with brands that I love and that know you love too, whether that be purse friendly brands or more luxury brands as thats exactly what I’ve always been about, combining the high street with the odd fancier piece to make a truly versatile look and in turn a truly versatile and exciting wardrobe.
And whilst not everything I do will please everyone as we’re all on this journey together and some are a little ahead in educating ourselves on sustainable fashion please know that I am trying. I’ve always been trying, I’ve always donated no longer loved clothing, accessories, shoes and beauty products to friends and family and to charity and I’ve recently found my love for second hand and vintage fashion once more which is really rather exciting and oh so rewarding, take this vintage Dior bag for example, the buzz I felt when finding this second hand beauty was so much bigger than if I’d gone into store and bought a brand new one. So yes, I’m trying to be better and I’m trying to find the balance between the old world of style blogging and the new, more educated and more thoughtful world of style blogging. And whilst I still have a long way to go and I won’t ever be “perfect” it’s an exciting journey to be on and a journey I hope you will join me on.
CHOKER- TOPSHOP, BOILER SUIT- c/o TOPSHOP, BOOTS- c/o TOPSHOP, BAG- DIOR via VESTIAIRE COLLECTIVE
Aside from the damage the fashion industry is doing to the environment another thing I struggle with is my need to people please. I’ve always been a self confessed people pleaser so when I read that something I’ve shared has upset someone on made someone a little disappointed in me then it really does hit hard, particularly as I am just doing me, just doing what I’ve always done, what you’ve told me you’ve always enjoyed and wanted to see. It’s a hard thing to get right as we all have different styles, different budgets and different stages of education when it comes to our fashion footprint but what I’m learning is to take every little bit of negativity as a way to grow and to educate myself without losing myself altogether. I know it’s impossible to please everyone particularly where personal style is involved but it’s something I’m taking into consideration with my shopping habits and with the content I create.
I love fashion, I love styling and I love mixing old with new and luxury with high street and that isn’t going to change, not now and not ever, I’m just going to be more considerate with what I buy, what I share with you guys and how I approach new seasons, occasions and day-to-day dressing in order to be a better person for our planet. Variety is the spice of life, a saying I’m always spouting for those who complain there is too much high street fast fashion or too much expensive luxury fashion across my platforms and that is true, a varied life is a happy life and likewise for a wardrobe in my humble opinion, but with a little further education and in time, I’m pretty sure I’ll have the balance sorted.
And there we have it, a longer post than usual from me but something that felt good to address and to get off my chest. Please do let me know your thoughts on the whole thing, whether it’s something you’ve learnt, something you’ve noticed about me and my work or something you think will help to enhance my knowledge on fashion and the environment, I’m very keen to hear all.
Thanks for reading.
x M
Nice post, Megan! It’s definitely a difficult one to balance. I’ve told myself I’m going to take a break from clothes shopping for six months (eek!) to see the difference it makes. I’ve noticed that while I often treat myself to bits and pieces from ASOS, I’m also constantly clearing stuff out to go to charity shops (and eventually I’m sure it finds its way to a landfill) and it made me wonder if I really needed all the new trends/sale/etc pieces after all.
Easier said than done by people whose jobs and livelihoods don’t depend on fashion though. I’ll let you know how I get on!
xx
Bravo Megan! I am so happy that bloggers like you and Victoria from Inthefrow are starting to talk about the environment and the impact that our everyday choises can make. I, myself, have always recycled, I don’t have a car (I try to use only my bike or public transportation) and try to use one time goods like plastic bottles the less I can. Of course, we can always do better, but awareness is the first step! This post made me like you even more 🙂 well done!
I really need a boiler suit in my life, this looks so chic! Totally agree that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, but love that you’re looking into more balance, that’s really cool! Love the longer post 🙂
Anika | anikamay.co.uk
I just love your honesty in your writing Megan! All we can do is try our best, nobody is perfect and even just reducing how much we buy makes a big difference! I’m currently trying to educate myself on more sustainable brands but there’s so much conflicting evidence and its HARD. Loving these photos, boiler suits are definitely in my A/W wardrobe too xx
http://www.heart-autumn.co.uk
I’m so glad you’ve written about this as I feel in the same position and have been making changes to how I shop. i.e. currently shopping for autumn winter and really thinking about how all the items in my basket can work together and in more than one outfit, sticking to classics and only purchasing one or two trend led pieces (i.e. leopard print skirt). Much easier in autumn winter because classics are definitely easier to style – it’s summer where fast fashion really takes off. Also making a conscious effort not to purchase polyester as it’s soooo damaging to the environment.
https://www.arabellawright.com/
This is a burning topic, and I truly believe you can never please everyone. I personally really enjoy it when you share luxury purchases, which some jealous people don’t. I love the mix of brands and high-street/luxury pieces you share, but then again people who are into sustainability etc will dislike the amount. Like you said everyone is different, and I hope you are gonna be able to see past the few negative ones and keep doing what you love the way you chose to 🙂
Balance is key : I like buying second-hand pieces, but sometimes I buy new ones too, and I shop very rarely because it suits me and my lifestyle.
I truly enjoy what you do, and if some people are “disappointed” because of this or that related to your shopping habits, then they really need to open their eyes to the real world. Negativity and blaming each other for everything is the plague of the internet.
Anyway I loved this post, I hope this comment brings a little positivity to your day 🙂
Megan
Firstly you are an utter babe and you inspire me in a way that encourages me to push my own personal style. I always look forward to your videos on you tube. You crack me as only a felllow manc can! So thank you for that. Sustainability is close to my heart too and I am finding it hard to balance my love of clothes which a more sustainable lifestyle. For me investing in more long term pieces has stopped me buying throw away goods a bit but I still have a long way to go. Definite food for thought. Keep up the fabulous work xx
Love this! It’s something that’s been on my mind loads recently, even though I love treating myself to new clothes, there’s a little pang of guilt everytime I do buy them because of either money, environmental issues, or questioning how it’s made.
It would be really interesting to see if you have a capsule wardrobe, pieces that have stood the test of time and that you always come back to, or more ethical brands that you’ve found.
Thanks! x
Well done darling! So glad to hear this from you. xx
YES! you are maybe the first of the few fashion bloggers / youtubers i follow who’ve dared to approach this topic even when it understandably threatens their livelihood and what you lot do – hauls, try-ons, styling – and I’m so glad you’re looking into this and trying to do your best! x
Fortunately it has became a lot easier to find out a companies practices, so it’s become a lot easier to shop a lot more considerately. In the last year I did a lot of research into the shops I enjoy and found that I didn’t find their practices acceptable so I simply don’t shop their as much it makes it’s easier to shop less. I’ve also found op shopping /thrift shopping a great way to help with this issue. Giving a piece a second home, it’s environmentally friendly and a lot of the time very purse friendly. I think it’s great for you to talk about even if you’re unable to be the most considerate because of you’re work which is completely understandable but it also may make your audience think twice and if everyone can even be just 1% more thoughtful when it comes to this industry it’ll make such a great difference.
Great post x
Hi Megan,
Fashion is a tough game for all of us, that’s for sure! I really appreciate you addressing this issue and consciously working towards evolving your buying habits. It’s something all bloggers need to take on board, I think.
You’re doing a great job, by the way!
Thanks for being brave enough to approach this topic and I love the way you are going to approach this. Lots of respect and love <3
such a fab read (and amaaaazing photos). I am so so glad you’ve been addressing this subject recently (here on your blog and in your videos) as I feel its so important people are made more aware of just how damaging fast fashion can be, and they’ll be more likely to listen to people who are in the fashion industry. I have been trying to impose a clothes ban on myself for a few months, and even though I have definitely cut down on the impulse buying, I am still yet to fully succeed..
there’s a really interesting online course that Fashion Revolution have put in place (if you don’t already know about it!)
I have been following you on here for a couple of years and you smash every outfit and your videos make my day, and really make me miss living in good old Manchester!
I love that boiler suit on you girl! You always look so fab in your personal Style! Always killing it! Love that choker too! Might have to get myself one!
Isobel x
New post: https://fashionistachic14.blogspot.com/2018/09/lifestyle-what-happened-in-july.html?m=1
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/isobelceline/
New video: https://youtu.be/DWUSJPpjyaU
That topshop boiler suit looks so effortlessly chic on you, I love it so much!
Jodie | jodieloue.com
Great message, Megan! And don’t worry too much about pleasing others. At the end, what matters is that you feel good about your deeds and you stay true to yourself.
Cheers,
Tina
Cool post 🙂 I like your blog 🙂
I feel like you are only talking about the environmental impacts of fast fashion. I think that talking only about environment impacts makes it easier to still accept fast fashion shopping. please watch the true cost for you to learn that any amount of fast fashion shouldn’t be acceptable. That you are supporting companies that are killing mothers, fathers, and children. Please wake up. Maybe you’ll see this comment and think I’m evil. I don’t mind that if that means that you can stop supporting these brands that kill.
I’m so glad you’ve published this. I don’t really follow your blog but I love your styling (I watch your YouTube videos) and your wild combinations of clothes. However as someone who never buys brand new clothes as part of my desire to change my individual practices to align with my broader environmental concerns and activism, I have recently found it more and more difficult to watch styling and new-in/trend videos because they promote the practices that I wish people would stop doing. It would be amazing to see you use your platform to share more sustainable consumption choices, and your thoughts on this topic on YouTube (in the hope that more people would see it) and to see you promote more second hand buying choices (when you feel like you’re ready to chat about it of course) !!
I’ve been following your channel for years now and have always been very inspired by your style! I myself rarely buy new clothes, I almost only buy at charity shops, second hand shops, flea markets or sew my own clothing. I see it as my personal ‘rebellion’ against the fast fashion industry. Watching especially other youtubers it seems quite shocking how much is consumed just to entertain in the youtuber community. I’v really enjoyed reading this post and you bringing up a topic that seems to be contradictory to your profession at first sight. Your job being, showing new trends, new clothes and especially clothes others can shop as well (obviously not possible if you only bought second hand). I myself though still feel so very inspired by your videos/writing/photos, because I simply have those trends/your pieces in mind when going to the charity shop. Of course you need to work with brands, buy new clothes or wear clothes you get sent, that’s how you make your money. Like you said, a balance is important! Thank you for bringing up such vital topics, it makes you seem even cooler in my eyes!
Loved this post Megan and i think it is great you are talking about the affects fashion has on the environment. So good that the conversation is happening and it will encourage everyone to start thinking a bit more about what they can do to help, even if that is recycling their old clothes. xx
http://www.laurenrosestyle.com
Megan!
I’m glad you’re talking about that topic as I believe it’s time bloggers and their readers realise the impact fast-fashion has not only on the environment but also on the people who produce our clothes.
I remember you said in a video (maybe ‘What I bought in San Francisco’) that you had fallen back in love with buying vintage which is wonderful! It never surprised me when you said you loved to buy vintage for clothes and your house as you’re not the minimal, copycat type of a blogger and charity shops, antiques and vintage have so much wonderful quirky stuff to offer! As you sort of said regarding that Dior bag, it’s also much more satisfying to find a gem, whether it be totally unexpected or after being on the hunt for it for ages, rather than blindingly buying it.
For the record, I don’t really follow you to get links to new trendy items but for your unique, spot-on style and tips as you inspire me being more brave with my clothe choices. I think it would be fab if, through your vintage buys, your readers would look out for their own unique items of clothing rather then trying be topshop look-a-likes.
I guess I sound preaching in that comment but sustainable fashion really is an issue that matters to me and is urgent to be addressed, so I’m glad you’re conscious of it.
Keep on being your special self and much love to you!