Who says all new year’s resolutions have to be hard? When it comes to fashion, what you wear or choose to spend your money on can have an impact on the environment, charitable institutions and everyday people at home and abroad.
Here are five ways that fashion can help make a difference in 2017:
Shop local — not just during the holidays: The day after Black Friday has come to be known as Small Business Saturday, a time to support independent boutiques and other mom-and-pop shops. But why make this just a once-a-year occasion? Instead, make one weekend a month your own personal Small Business Saturday, and pick up what you need at local stores rather than big-box retailers. You’ll be contributing to the lives of entrepreneurs and their families in your community, one purchase at a time.
Pay it forward: Is getting organized on your to-do list in 2017? Donate gently worn apparel, shoes and accessories to groups that can use them to empower others. Locally, Dress for Success Pittsburgh (The Design Center, 5001 Baum Blvd., in Bloomfield), Thriftique by the National Council of Jewish Women Pittsburgh Section (125 51st St., Lawrenceville), Ambiance Boutique (1722 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill, and 428 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont), Treasure House Fashions (7607 McKnight Road, Ross) and WearWoof Shop (3400 McIntyre Square Drive, Ross) are a few places where you can donate or consign clothing and more to support a range of philanthropic causes.
Spotlight aspiring designers: Next time you’re looking to splurge on a special gift or dress up for an important event, try to find something by an emerging designer. Websites such as Etsy.com, Macy’s Nineteenth Amendment Clothing (www.macys.com/nineteenthamendment), Not Just a Label (www.notjustalabel.com) and Runway Passport (runwaypassport.com) curate creations by up-and-coming talents. Even better: each time these pieces are worn, you’ll be helping the designers spread the word about their brands.
Shake up your weekend with a fashion show: Postpone your plans for dinner and a movie! For something fresh and fun to do with friends, check out a fashion show. Browse websites such as Eventbrite.com or read your local newspaper to find events in your area. Many times, these functions highlight rising designers and merchandise from local boutiques, or raise money for charity.
Wear clothes that cut down on waste: Consumers in North America buy — and discard — five time as many garments as they did a couple of decades ago, reports author Elizabeth Cline in her book “Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion.” Fast fashion chains (Forever 21, Zara and Topshop, for example) have accelerated the issue in recent years with their revolving door of new inventory at hard-to-pass-up prices. In some cases, laborers overseas churn out hundreds of items for only a few dollars a day to stock these kinds of stores. In 2017, choose to invest in brands that are conscious about minimizing waste and improving working conditions for their employees. For instance, Pittsburgh-based The Edie Company (www.ediecompany.com) and Thread International (www.threadinternational.com) are a couple of companies that are committed to eco-friendly production, while aiding those in need in the process.
Sara Bauknecht: sbauknecht@post-gazette.com or on Twitter and Instagram @SaraB_PG.
First Published: December 31, 2016, 5:00 a.m.
