1. @omi.na.na is a UK brand behind B E A U T I F U L sustainable statement pieces that surprise every time. I really love how their Instagram shows so many of their designs in different settings so you can really see what it’s like to wear them again & again. This botanical top is what drew me in and I’m glad we stuck around!

2. @habitcosmetics not only shares tons of gorgeous examples of their sustainably made, vegan nail polish and clean makeup, but other inspiring content like quotes, journal prompts, self care ideas, giveaways, and spotlights on other inspiring entrepreneurs. Also, their products are just so darn pretty and I could look at photos of them alllll the day long.

3. @llani.shop is one of our favorite ethical fashion brands to follow on Instagram for the sheer beauty of their products! Their hand-embellished shoes and accessories are seriously works of art. (Heart eyes for these stunning slippers!). Owner Alana Raquel Oates has a such a fabulous eye for fashion.

4. @dynastygeorge is an ethical fashion brand we’re super happy we stumbled across! Like I said, seeing amazing editorials from a small biz is super impressive to me, so naturally I loved all the photos they post from their lifestyle shoots. They totally speak to the romantic in me.

5. @wearproclaim, who makes earth-friendly, inclusive nude underwear, inspires us with their empowering studio photos (everyone looks beautiful in their own perfect hue) and commitment to the fight for racial justice, womens equality, and environmental sustainability.

6. @ayniuniverse features the dreamiest editorial photos of their stunning handmade knitwear on Instagram. (Perhaps it’s because I love all things crochet!) They are honoring, and reinventing, ancient textile traditions with their modern take on sweaters, dresses, and accessories. Obsessed.

7. @theverygoodbra is a fantastic account to follow, and not just because the brand is responsible for “the world’s first zero post-consumer waste bra in 26 sizes” (!!!). On the account you’ll find lots of facts about consumerism and zero waste mixed in with some insightful personal tidbits from founder Stephanie.

8. @ohsevendays, an ethical fashion brand producing garments with upcycled fabrics, mixes in lots of design inspiration with product news + styling ideas, and I love how it all blends to create such a fluid, constantly evolving color story as you scroll.

9. @pansyco is a sustainable basic brand that is anything but basic on Instagram. Their styled shoots are mesmerizing and their models are REAL. Each of their posts feels like a little moodboard to empower your style, your aesthetic, your life.

10. @theconsistencyproject reworks vintage clothing and curates secondhand (through @secondlifemarketplace) — both fabulous accounts to follow for vintage, thrift, and fashion design inspiration and interesting insights on the necessity of secondhand in the fashion space.

Who are your favorite ethical fashion brands to follow on Instagram? Tag them below so we can follow!

The post Our Favorite Ethical Fashion Brands To Follow On Instagram appeared first on Eco Club.

The Perennial Closet is on the pricier side because all of their clothing is naturally dyed and made to order (they even have a dye guarantee where you can send your piece back once a year to have it re-dyed!) but OMG is it beautiful.

Leroli is an Italian sustainable fashion brand with clothing made in New York City. Their patterns are too good.

eco club member Left Edit makes sure their fashion is bold and statement-making, but also versatile enough to pair well with the rest of your closet. Learn more here! Photo by Caitlyn Gaurano

Jungmaven‘s signature organic cotton + hemp tees come in a range of primary and candy colors.

Thread + Sprout offers really beautiful, completely sustainable handmade clothing. They’re made one at a time and each is like a wearable work of art!

eco club member Made Trade is an ethical shopping marketplace dedicated to making ethical fashion easier. Shop here!

The Slow Mode curates the most beautiful prints and colors, and while their pieces are on the (understandably) pricier side, they do offer free worldwide shipping on all orders. This dress is by Spanish designer Celia B.

Sotela‘s Sol Collection featured this lavender beauty. Speaking my language. See more in our jumpsuit guide! Photo by Michelle Terris Photo

OATS features cute handmade crop tops, dresses, and pants crafted in Melbourne.

Alice Alexander offers plenty of size-inclusive neutrals, but when they do color, they do it right.

If you’re located in Europe, Berlin-based fineyellow is a sustainable fashion marketplace stocked with options.

More color blocked, candy striped goodness! Seek Collective has the yummiest colorways.

Let us know what other ethical fashion brands with amazing color we should add!

The post Our favorite ethical fashion brands for adding COLOR to your wardrobe appeared first on Eco Club.

Being a mindful thrift shopper means being more conscious about the experience all the way from intention to purchase to how the object is serving you afterward. I think it really starts with this mindset, and you can continue to expand on it with the tips below:

Have a reason for going thrift shopping

I used to thrift on the weekends because it was a fun hobby of mine. I’m grateful for that as it taught me a lot about shopping, fashion, vintage, and consumerism in general, but nowadays I think it’s more important to go when I’m actually on the hunt for something. I know that takes some of the magic out of it, but a good way of going about it is to keep a general list (or mental note) of things you’d like to find at thrift stores, and go every now and then until you find them. Obviously, thrift stores aren’t a place you are guaranteed to find what you need, so this might span a few shopping trips. Which leads us to…

Make a shopping list

It seems counterintuitive because you have no way of knowing what you’ll find at a secondhand shop, but knowing what you want is key. If you don’t go in with an idea of what you’re there for, you’ll probably come out with, oh, a bunch of knick-knacks and colorful dishware (just me?). This list will be helpful after you shop, too, because once you’ve exhausted your secondhand options for something (thrift shop, Craigslist list etc.) you have the list for those leftovers that you may need to buy new.

Add style notes

If shopping for clothing or home decor, add some style notes to your shopping list to keep you in check. Yes, you may already know your own style, but thrift stores can be overwhelming places overflowing with good finds across the board. It’s super tempting to buy something just because you know it’s worth more than the price tag, but is that actually helping you cross off your list?

Keep in mind gifting

I’ve only recently started doing this because, well, not that many people I know appreciate gorgeous secondhand finds! But for an ethical shopper, the holiday season can be really uncomfortable because you want to gift a meaningful object but may not have the budget to buy everyone on your list something new from a responsible source. I like to be conscious of any upcoming gift occasions before I set foot inside a shop, so those people are front of mind while I’m perusing the shelves. Then if something comes up, like a really cool vintage decor piece that totally speaks to a friend, I can snag it and save it for the occasion!

How do you connect mindfulness and thrift shopping? Share your thoughts!

Photo by Azamat Zhanisov via Unsplash

The post How to Become a More Mindful, Efficient Thrift Shopper appeared first on Eco Club.

(Photo by Charity Hestead Kubena)

Well, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re pretty much on par with every person who has recently learned the story behind their clothing. So let’s pull out that strange old adage and say, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.” It’s not time for a drastic purge or exotic cleansing ritual.

If you want to move toward an ‘ethical closet’ and buy exclusively from ethical, sustainable sources, start from exactly where you are. Instead of a costly wardrobe overhaul, work within the reality of your budget—recognize that you likely already own much of what you need. Let’s look at it this way:

You’re educated for the future without being judged for the past.

In practical terms, there are a few key steps you can take in moving from closet shame to fashion contentment.

step one: RELAX

Take a breather. Appreciate your possessions. Even if your dream closet suddenly doesn’t look so dreamy anymore, it’s all a gradual process. You have the pleasure and privilege of seeing things through a new lens. The fact that you’re even thinking of making a change for the future is a big deal.

step two: TAKE AN INVENTORY

Pull a Marie Kondo and get everything out in the open.  Put all (yes, all) of your clothes on the bed. This helps you to get a real grasp on everything you own, instead of taking it one drawer at a time. Finally, sort everything into three piles: keep, donate/sell, and discard.

step three: MAKE A GAME PLAN

Now that you’ve narrowed down your belongings it’s time to strategize for future purchases. Think of what’s in your drawers and what’s missing. Do you need more work clothes, t-shirts, or jeans? Are you short on accessories or shoes?

Make up your list of wish and need items. And here comes the fun part: shopping as research. Browse your favorite ethical stores and note which pieces fit your list. Sort them however you want—by necessity level or price.

And at the end of this, make a deal with yourself. Figure out how and when you’ll invest in new pieces. Will you start a little piggy bank on the side? Will you only buy if you’ve sold something from your closet first? These small steps will make you appreciate and treasure each item that enters your wardrobe.

Are you working toward a conscious closet? How do you plan to start?

The post What to do with a Closet Full of (Non-Ethical) Stuff appeared first on Eco Club.