Modeling my newly made Sorbetto top and Brighter Day clutch 

Have you heard the term slow fashion before? It's new terminology to me, though the concept has been around for a while. Basically, slow fashion is an approach to clothing in direct opposition to what Americans are very accustomed to: mass-produced, fast fashion where we buy cheaply made items and, within a few weeks, it's out of style and thrown away. Slow fashion urges each of us to be more mindful of the clothes we consume, to buy less, and to care for and mend what we already own so it doesn't end up in a landfill. It also encourages upcycling, swapping, making your own clothing (my new favorite!), and supporting local artisans.

For me, it's about a lot more than just curbing consumerism and helping the environment. It's about people. It's about justice.

This year, the collapse of the garment factory in Bangladesh opened lots of eyes to the truth of the horrendous conditions so many people are living and working in every day... in order to produce our clothes. The clothes these women were making are probably hanging in some of our closets right now (they produced clothes for the Children's Place and Walmart, to name a couple). They're cheap for us to buy, and costly for them to make. In this one incident, over 1100 lives were lost, including many children who were in a nursery facility in the building. By buying some of the clothes we do without a thought of where they came from, we are supporting this kind of hard labor in terrible conditions.

In addition, have you guys seen this website: SlaveryFootprint.org? It takes you through a quick but very insightful survey to find out how many human slaves are employed on your behalf by the things you consume. The number that I got at the end was frightening, and sheds light on just how much I consume without thinking a moment about where it came from or who made it.

The whole concept intrigues me and convicts me. Ultimately, when it comes to clothing, it inspires me to save up for more quality pieces that will last (a great pair of jeans, a beautiful jacket) that are timeless and ethically made. It also really inspires me to make my own clothes, which I've just begun to do (a dress, a shirt, and a skirt so far!). I really don't have any answers or big ideas when it comes to this - just food for thought right now.

What about you? Do you know about slow fashion? Any ideas about helping this cause and, in turn, promoting social justice?

More about the slow fashion movement here:
The Slow Fashion Movement... Reversing Environmental Damage
Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion

A smattering.

Source: tankandtink.etsy.com

So the pictures on this dear little blog have been lacking, I know. And the blog posts too, for that matter. My camera has taken a trip to the Mediterranean, and it's going to end up in the Middle East where it will stay for quite a while. It's on quite a journey (I'm jealous!). I know that's vague, but it's too long a story to tell right now. And the good news is, I'm ordering a new camera today! And I cannot. WAIT. I got my camera as a gift from Shawn and we were dating about 5 years ago and little did he know just how much I would use it. It's become as natural as my right arm and it goes everywhere with me, so not having it for a few days has been... interesting.

Anyway, that's not really what this post is about. I am literally counting down the days to my "official" summer break. I have 4 more days until I am off for TWO WEEKS! That's the longest break I've had from school since I started in January! We're excited to have Shawn's parents here for a few days, and then we're off to California for a few days after that. WOOHOO!!!! I'll take as much family, sunshine, and husband time as I can get.

On another note - since I seem to be spouting off random updates - I have become Emmaline Bride's newest artisan, and I really love this site. If you're a DIY type, you'll love it too - and if you're about to get married, you'll love it even more. She wrote the sweetest blog post about Brighter Day today and I've already gotten a couple of custom inquiries. Thank you, Emma! (If I can get my act together, the bags will be listed there sometime today.) :)

And right now, I have about 40 bags to make for custom orders... and a Pharmacology exam to study for... and a house to clean... so I should go. Really, I should.

Have a happy Tuesday!

And along comes Debbie Downer...

Have you seen the Debbie Downer skits on SNL?
They're hilarious.

What's not so hilarious is that we all probably have a Debbie Downer in our life.
That person who seems to think the world is against them... that complaining about anything and everything is in vogue.

And you know what? It's really easy to join in and just complain.
In fact, it's a lot easier than being positive.
It's a fight to be optimistic!
Have you noticed?

In my life as a student, I've noticed it's an easy mindset for students to get into. We're all so busy. We have tons of homework, work on the side, family life, commuting. It's a lot for anyone to handle. But when there's constant complaining about it, it brings everyone down.

From a student's perspective, I think the main issue is that we just don't realize how privileged we are.
I, for one, don't want to take it for granted for a single second that I am privileged to attend school right now and to use my degree to not only help lots of people, but to have a stable income.
I don't want to take it for granted that if I were a woman living in certain countries, education would not be an option for me.
I don't want to take it for granted that my husband works really hard every day to support our family.
I don't want to take it for granted that I've never missed a meal because I couldn't afford food.
And the list goes on... and on... and on....

So here's my challenge, for you and for me. The next time you hear a conversation that breeds negativity and complaints, fight for joy.

When that person says, "I'm just so tired from all this homework... I wish my husband would just pitch in with the kids... and if it snows one more time, I don't know what I'm going to do..." respond with positivity. Say something like, "Won't it be so worth it though? When you're able to practice as a nurse in such a short time, won't you be so thankful you made it through?"

You'll probably feel really awkward standing up for optimism the first few times.
But I have a feeling, once they get the idea that you're not going to continually commiserate with them about all of life's woes, they'll find someone else to whine to.

Ok... stepping off my soap box now... :)

Happy Wednesday!