1. I want to just go shopping, find my size (10 Tall), and just purchase it.  I don't want to measure myself, order online, try it on, find out its pretty but not for me, and have to return it for store credit. (WOW!!  THAT got honest.)

2. Purchasing ethically can mean a big search for ethical pieces that fit your personal style.  It's rarely easy.

3. NEW frustration: I read a blog a few months back about how ethical fashion isn't really ethical.  It felt so negative and I wanted to give up!  I need HOPE in ethical fashion. ​ Also, our go-to ethical brand, Everlane,  has received a low rating from the Good On You App. So, that felt really frustrating! SERIOUSLY!! 

Stick around for my HOPE! 
My frustrations feel raw and sometimes I hate sharing those with you. I want to be your source of hope and inspiration for purchasing ethically. However, if I am feeling these frustrations, I know you are feeling them too.  AND, if you saw the same blog post, I can imagine your frustration and desire to give up matched my own.  The truth is, there is NO easy answer to unethical practices in the fashion industry, BUT our voices are pushing change forward in the fashion industry.  FREAKIN' Target just came out with a fair trade jean line. So, keep going.  We trust awesome small businesses like The Root Collective and Trove.  Then, we use wisdom to purchase from larger "ethical" businesses!

Now, why did I buy some fast fashion pieces recently?! Well, first off, I was at Target...don't all good stories start with "I was at Target?" Anyways!  I was at Target trying on their fair trade jeans and I saw a black and white striped long-sleeved shirt.  Tried it on and...I loved it. So, I got it. 

Then, I got obsessed with having a leopard print skirt!  I knew what I wanted and I didn't want to settle.  So, I followed my 3 tips before I purchased about 5x's. I almost purchased a similar skirt from Evereve (not "ethical", but I love what their company stands for).  However, I looked at it on several different women and I didn't believe it would look great on me.  So, I purchased the fast fashion skirt!  Pictures coming soon.

Balance has been key for me! We push for better standards in the fashion industry.  We tell companies what we want.  BUT we keep ourselves from burnt out!  Buy what you need and sometimes buy a fun piece you just want. AND, if you need help, I love researching.  So, shoot me your questions about ethical fashion or new pieces you are looking for. I would love to shoot you some ideas of where you might be able to find it.

Tell me: How do you stay positive about ethical fashion?  How do you avoid ethical fashion burnout?

1. Assess my own closet!  Can I use what’s in my own closet to accomplish this look? 

2. I will hit up ThredUp,  Swap.com, or Poshmark to see if I can find a similar version on my favorite online consignment shops.
​
3. If I still can’t find it, I will go to my favorite ethical shops online to see if they have anything I could purchase.

​By the time I do all this, a few days have passed.  If I can’t find it through these means and I am still dreaming, I will consider purchasing it from a fast fashion brand.  Yes, you read that right! Sometimes, I will buy fast fashion.  100% disclosure, I just bought a skirt fast fashion.  I repeated the list above about 5x’s before I pushed the purchase button on the skirt!

In April, my friend splurged and purchased the whole classic capsule from Vetta Capsule.  As you all know, shopping online is HARD!  How will this look on me?  Will it fit my long torso?  Should I get a medium or a large?  The questions go on and on.  So, when she decided to get the whole capsule in Medium, I insisted she bring it over!  After our families gathered for dinner, we sent the kids outside to play and we tried the capsule all.  I LOVED this capsule SOOO much, but do not have 100's of dollars to spend.  And really I do not need it.  However, I really loved ONE dress.  (see below). I tried this dress in navy, but sent it back for the white and tan striped dress! The navy dress is really beautiful, but a bit too fancy for my lifestyle.  This one is just right for the office and a zoo visit.  Total mom dress!!

I just got the new dress in the mail and LOVE it!  Wearing it right now, as I type! ;)

On to the swimsuit! I have two fine suits from Target that I purchased last year. However, I wanted a new one that is a little nicer than my momsuits. While they are great, I just wanted a little extra. So, here is what I landed on.  It feels new, fresh, but still not TOO much for this mom of littles! 

Cute, right?!  Well, it's in the mail right now. We'll have to see how I like it.  I'm not usually one to get a two piece. So, I am not sure if I will love it or not!

Now, I am obsessed with The Root Collective's new sandal collection! Totally obsessed!  Look below!!  Aren't they absolutely amazing? Okay, here's the raw truth.  I have some great sandals already in my wardrobe AND I spent the non-existent summer budget on the dress and swimsuit. So, I will most likely not be buying these. If an extra $100 comes my way, I'll be buying these beauties!

Vetta Capsule, Albion Fit, & The Root Collective are some of my absolute favorite ethical brands.  I was excited to see pieces from these awesome companies that I wanted to add to my wardrobe.  I'll be getting pictures soon of my new pieces to share! Even the swimsuit?  I'm not sure!  We'll see. 

So tell me!  What ethical brands and pieces are you excited to purchase this summer? 

This post started with the title "3 Must Haves for Summer." Well, let me re-phrase that!  I never think there are "must haves,"  but rather empty spots in my closet that I am happy to fill with new ethical pieces! Being a mom of a 3 and 5 year old, we have a lot planned for this summer. This summer we have planned many visits to the newest Tulsa attraction, The Gathering Place, tons of swimming, orphanage reunions for the kids, and one very special wedding (Sherrie, I'm so excited!). However, before I start buying, I do something we should all be doing before we spend money.  I evaluate my closet! 

Personally, I LOVE all the spring and summer launches from my favorite ethical brands.  I just want to run out and buy ALL the new things.  Being the non-profit/start-up working mom, who has the budget?  Not to mention it is not sustainable!  So, each season, I take stock of all the items in my closet that I am still loving, still fit, and will transition well into the new season.  If you have been around for any bit of time, you know I love my skirts, dresses, and graphic tees!!  Before I tell you my new favorites to buy, let me tell you what I have in my closet to work with. 

Okay, here's the thing!  I don't like shorts, but my kids are in a season where they are just useful. So, I have three pairs.  Two Patagonia shorts and a couple pairs from Old Navy. Also, I rarely get my picture taken in shorts. So, here are the two I have.  Like you can't even tell I'm wearing my Patagonia shorts. 

This is weird; I get that!  Usually, I wouldn't do this with such organization.  I would make a list or eyeball it! Do you assess your closet each season? 

I'll be back in a few days to share what I'm planning to purchase this summer!  My 3 Must Haves!!

Guest: Dominique Gilliard
Instagram: @dominiquegilliard
Website: www.dominiquegilliard.com

Websites Mentioned: 
Rethinking Incarceration: Advocating for Justice That Restores
Download the new free video-based Rethinking Incarceration curriculum for small groups. Watch the Trailer. 
Bryan Stevenson, Equal Justice Initiative 

Social Enterprises Mentioned: 
​Homeboy Industries 
All Square Restaurant in Minneapolis
Old Skool Cafe
Take Two in Tulsa