Buy Less, Buy Better

I was catching up with a friend recently who asked me for some suggestions for putting the “Buy less, Buy Better” philosophy into action. The pandemic has drastically changed the retail landscape and the way I shop for clothes. For 2021 I am building my wardrobe with purposeful shopping, keeping in mind who I am supporting, and the impact on the planet.

The first step I suggested was identifying individual needs. This includes identifying a personal budget, and not necessarily buying the most expensive items. I avoid purchasing disposable fast fashion as much as possible ( I am guilty of buying a fast trend from time to time). Lately, I have been seeking out quality items that can carry me from season to season, year to year. This past year I found myself shopping smaller local businesses where a sale is more meaningful to my community.

Necessity has been driving what I have bought in the past 6 months and I’ve shopped my closet for the rest.  Here are 4 of my essential “Buy less, Buy better” purchases for the last half of 2020. As winter has settled in NYC and in my hometown of Brooklyn,  I am outfitting to continue outdoor fitness and social distancing.

• Nano Puff Mitts by Patagonia. With a 100% recycled polyester outer fabric and post-consumer recycled polyester, these mittens check the boxes for me. Patagonia stands by its products and offers repair, recrafting, and has an online site featuring pre-owned pieces in an effort to reduce its impact on the planet.
  
  
• Upcycled down puffer trench by Arket. I get endless compliments on this coat. Part of their upcycled down program, this coat is made from 100% pre-used, recycled down, and feathers!
  
• Falke merino wool tech footless tights. As avid runner, I love the balance of merino wool and tech in this versatile base piece. I can layer for fitness, or for keeping cozy at home.
  
• Our own “Cozy Fleece” in either solid or Tie Dye is my round the year go to.  I wear them on cool summer nights or after the beach.  I currently wear them as a sweater alternative.  I love to wear them oversized with my new favorite pair of Levis Mile High Super Skinny jeans.  I love that Levis is working on their sustainability footprint by using recycled cotton and elastane.  While denim is a terrible polluter of the environment, it’s great to see that steps are being taken to offset the bad.
  

Let me know what  “Buy less, buy better” means for you in the comments below.