Should I even be thinking about something so frivolous, as what I wear?
While there is so much suffering in the world, should I be spending time considering what clothes I wear and what I purchase?
I have been writing these post about my attempt to simplify my wardrobe for a year now, and I have from time to time wondered if I shouldn’t be spending my time worrying about more important things? Is it frivolous to be thinking about clothes and how I dress while there is so much suffering in the world, including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine and Climate Change.
My choices about what I wear, are one of my tiny acts of rebellion against Late Stage Capitalism. Choosing to avoid buying fast fashion, I can highlight the plight of those working to produce our clothing. It is therefore important, that I spend time thinking about how and where I spend my money, in my privileged position of having enough money to buy any clothing I need. I can make a difference by being a citizen and not just a consumer.
This month I purchased a new bra, from the rather wonderful Brighton Lace, Lou and her team carefully source lace and elastic and pretty organic cotton and create comfortable, pretty and long lasting lingerie. Very helpfully, if you send your measurements, they can recommend the right size for you. I have over the years accumulated quite a few items, my favourites have to be the recycled cashmere knickers. It is good to be able to buy from small businesses producing quality products in the UK, employing local people on fair wages and good working conditions.
I spent time contemplating the purchase of a new dress, I thought of all the ways I could wear it, all the things in my wardrobe that would go well with it, but in the end decided that I probably wouldn’t wear it very much. Instead I should concentrate on getting some wear out of the pretty blue vintage dress I bought for £10 a few years ago and hardly wear. Thinking about why I don’t wear it, it really needs a petticoat underneath, as it is quite thin, and delicate, and that would give it some protection. Need to check if my existing well worn, hand made silk long vest will work, if not find something else.
A couple of outfits I wore in February, and a peak at the jumper upcycle I’m working on.
I would like a simple pink tee shirt or vest to wear this summer, under my blue linen overshirt, and with my denim shorts. Any suggestion of where to buy one would be welcome.
Some of My Current Podcast Listening: on economics, politics, society and climate change
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