why I'm starting to hate the sustainable fashion movement *let me explain*
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- čas přidán 16. 01. 2021
- Very much scared to upload this video because of how it may be interpreted, but hopefully I made sense and I just wanted to share the thoughts I've been having the past year and just give context..☀️ / alexasunshine83👇🏼 CLICK BELOW FOR MORE 👇🏼
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Just wanted to say I am SO THANKFUL and APPRECIATIVE of this job, but specifically being in the sustainable fashion movement, I very much have this internal struggle to know what is right because there is valid criticism on both sides so no matter what I do I can truly never win. I just wanted to give context as to why I've uploaded certain videos and why at the end of 2020 I had been putting out so many thrift hauls. I love love LOVE thrifting, but I also understand doing massive thrift hauls every single week doesn't necessarily go with my mission to promote sustainable fashion and buying. I wanted to share also because with there being so many gray areas within this movement, you may have also experienced this dilemma or just the constant back and forth of trying to be perfect. At the end of the day, I know I need to just do what I think is best and not be over consumed by making every single person happy. Hopefully this video made sense and just thank you for supporting me and watching ❤️
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I think we just need to be INTENTIONAL. We can’t buy a peice of clothing that was made perfectly with no problems. But be INTENTIONAL. If you buy thrifted clothes, make sure you don’t over consume. If you buy fast fashion, make sure you get maximum use out the piece. If you buy sustainable clothing, make sure you spend your money wisely. Be intentional about ever piece of clothing.
THIS!
I agree so much with this, this is what I've been doing. Just buying everything that I will constantly wear and leaving no pieces out. Not buying extra things if they aren't needed.
you put this SO PERFECTLY I don't think I can say it better myself
beautifully spokennnn spread thissss
there is no such thing as over consuming in thrifting. Over 80% of thrift stores throw their clothes into the landfill. Even if people do "overconsume" (lets double their consumption right?) still 60% of clothes would still be thrown away. Have you ever seen a thrift store empty or running low on anything, no its usually the opposite problem - that theres too many clothes to get through. Most times the racks are stuffed and sometimes I cant even move clothes on a rack. I get what you're saying but fast fashion and clothes take up a lot of space in our landfills, people thrifting actually helps that process a lot. And when you go to a thrift do you think of all the clothes you missed bc of someone else? No bc you didnt even know what they took ("What they dont know cant hurt them"). You just look elsewhere or accept that theres no clothes at the store and move on.
I've been thrifting my whole life as a low income family and i dont see a problem with this. If people are poor, they dont care about the name brands or how they look. They obviously would like nicer clothes but thrifts in general put nicer items at a higher price anyways.
Something that I'm hating abou the sustainable fashion is that vintage clothes are getting more popular, people want to look retro and "aesthetic" and thats okay, but i hate that stores are raising the price so so much, sometimes this clothes are more expensive than new clothes, and I think that's not the point of this movement.
This problem (thrift being much more expensive or same expensive as new clothes) is also happened in my country, lots of people said that thrifting pretty much has lost its true meaning (affordable and still worth to wear). Sorry for my bad english lol😂
sometimes getting new clothes from a brand like shein costs anywhere from $1-$7 less than some of the stuff at my local thrift store :/
We’ve got around 5 big thrift shops around my town and it’s been crazy watching the prices at the goodwills rise. Something that used to be a dollar is now closer to $5. :/
@@cjisokayiguessxp i live in l.a. so things are already pretty pricy, but goodwill charging $8 for all their t-shirts just really sucks.
Yup. Most of my wardrobe is thrifted because my budget is pretty tight. Seeing more people go to secondhand stores was nice at first but now I can't afford what I was able to buy before. It's strange. Buying new from places like H&M can be cheaper.
I agree with everything! Another thing about “ethical” brands is how....boring most of their clothing is. Why would I buy a plain white t-shirt for 70 bucks when I could easily find one at Goodwill for 5? If I look hard enough, I could probably find one that’s decent or good quality. My logic is: if I’m going to purchase something that’s brand new, it should be at least somewhat unique and difficult to find second-hand.
Ikr
I personally don't buy new sustainably made garments (I don't have the money, so I shop second hand), but I can see why people would want to invest in basics. For me, the fit of the garment is so important to the overall look of the outfit, and getting versatile (!!! super important, if one garment creates 10+ outfits this discourages overconsumption), well-made, sustainable, well-fitting basics would be a valuable use of my money (if I had the money). However, this is not everyone's attitude to their wardrobe (and there is absolutely no right or wrong way to choose to style yourself) so I can definitely see both sides! Definitely doesn't work for everyone, and definitely has a LOT of issues, but works for some! Just thought I'd add my two cents :)
An actual balance of basic styles and unique pieces would be great. The utter lack of stuff is the most frustrating. Like yeah, basic stuff is nice, but that price makes it ridiculous. @sophie summed it up
THIS!! I was telling my sister that the designs and clothing are just blah and I already have the same items in my wardrobe from thrifting for a fraction of the price.
i completely agree! we have a local shop here that sew all their pants, shirts, jackets etc from old fabrics and they're all so vibrant and cool i absolutely love them. whenever i look for ethical and/or sustainable brands on the internet they're all so bland and boring and especially as someone with almost no income (i'm still in school) it feels ridiculous to spend more than even 20€ on a plain t-shirt
The way companies have successfully managed to shift the blame on individuals when their factories have to most impact on the environment and sustainability is incredible to me.
That was exactly my point with my comment above. It blows my mind when they’re the reason why the environment is so effed up in the first place. 😅 They’re not even attempting to make changes because we’re doing all the work for them
They exist in the first place because of the consumer.
It should be clear that it's political. When you vote do you support regulation or deregulation? Do you vote for people who care about your health and environment or who put capitalism and profit above our health?
exactly! it's the entire capitalist system that is over-producing with corporations making record profits pushing us to purchase their products, then they blame us, the people who produce all the clothes and provide all the services. The US military is also the #1 polluter in the world, not fashion lovers. we need socialism
Not trying to pass shame/blame, but that’s an absolutely borrowed take from consumers who consume things…to live. It’s not the same. When big oil blames me for not recycling the plastic the cheapest food I can afford was transported in, it’s not the same “blame game” as buying fast fashion “once a week” as quoted in this video. I love my clothes, and my fashion, but I don’t buy new clothes until I the thing tears down the middle. I’m not saying it’s wrong to do otherwise, but people aren’t going to starve if they’re not re-stocking they’re wardrobe. As opposed to people who will absolutely starve if they don’t buy eco-sustainable food every time they go to the grocery store. Eating “vegan” and shopping “sustainability” are as similar as biking/walking everywhere and watching Besos vacation to space. One is a privilege to do something better that every living thing does every day, and the other is a privilege to make yourself feel cool. Simple as that.
Weird how no one seems to get mad at the CORPORATIONS that are jacking up the prices at the thrift stores, because thrifting and reselling got trendy, but instead direct their anger at other working class people trying to feed themselves. 🤔
THIS.
I think you are missing the point of the criticism. People may not be thrilled about the increasing prices at thrift stores, and that is a problem, but that's a different issue than people that purchase an item for $10 and sell it for $100. We live in a capitalist society and I do think that resellers play an important role, particularly because they make clothes more accessible to people across the United States (and even globally), but their activities require a closer scrutiny just like the activity of corporations.
@@mandy833 I’m not missing anything.
Well based on your comment it sure seems like it. You’re just as bad when you make a blanket statement.
Lmao, ok sweetie.
"why can't brands just be... GOOD?"
capitalism, baby, capitalism
deadass
The only reason that companies are able to sell anything and succeed is because of capitalism, but ok. Thanks for letting the whole world know that you have a low IQ and shouldn’t be taken seriously.
@@myyoutubeaccount5653 capitalism also related to colonialism which also leads to racism (: . It is becoming an outdated economic system and socialism is the next step. Businesses have existed long before capitalism, and also brought an array of problems. Please educated yourself before commenting and dont hit low it just shows how insecure you really are
@@myyoutubeaccount5653 Thank You! It makes me sick of people blaming capitalism on everything. They love communism. Dumb people shouldn't be allowed on the internet.
@@_TSC_46 lmao that's a slippery slope fallacy, try again. Socialism doesn't work there's so many examples of socialist countries failing and no examples of them working yet people still advocate for it 🙄
The biggest problem with sustainable fashion youtube channels is that they can come off kinda sanctimonious and shamey while still contributing to unnecessary amounts of consumerism. A person shopping at a fast fashion store once a year and wearing everything they own is more sustainable than someone clearing out thrift stores every week just to wear an outfit once and let it rot in their closet.
THIS!!!!!!!
Exactly.
I hear that… but It’s a process. These people are trying to evoke change, and change is rarely accepted when the ask if for people to jump from one way of living to a drastic extreme of another.
People want and need to see what life ‘can be like’ and CZcamsr’s exploring with style and fashion, allow people to have a taste of what the ‘thrift life’ entails. At the end of the day, even if the CZcamsr’s are returning items to a Thrift store/Charity shop, they are still only keeping the clothes within one ecosystem as apposed to including 3rd parties such as your regular H&M, Primark, Target & other non sustainable clothing stores.
IKR? They have enough shoes and bags for every day of the year.
It’s messed up that the sustainability movement has become so focused on individual behavior modification. It’s crippling to carry that weight when the choices we make as individuals seem to change so little. The responsibility does fall on the consumer, but it also falls on corporations and companies who continue to produce these items in careless excess. That is part of why we see so much waste, because more was made than we could possibly use at the time. In an ideal world, there would be more accountability at a corporate level, rather than isolating individuals and saddling them with sole responsibility. The information available is conflicting at times and therefore confusing. No one is doing it perfectly, and you don’t have to either. You’re doing enough, and if at some point you decide to do more, let it happen in it’s time. You’ll get burnt out trying to push yourself to check all the boxes right now, this minute, this month, this year. Especially when it’s unclear which boxes should be checked? Personal development takes time, so allow yourself that time. Don’t let the critics (consumers) of CZcams rush you. ❤️
uploaded a podcast with 2 nyc fashion designers creating outfits from second hand clothes, its such a cool concept!
Very well-said
i agree with you that things need to change at the corporate level, but no matter what it IS up to the consumer to stop overconsuming. while lobbying for ethical changes within corporations we do still need to take responsibility for what we buy because no matter what, humans consuming will never be sustainable. even if you only buy clothes made from bamboo cloth, made by small businesses or whatever, the bamboo cloth took thousands of gallons of fresh drinking water to create and acres of land that were deforested.
There is a career field (and computer programs) for forecasting production requirements. Companies use theses individual/systems to predict how much of a product will sell and to determine how much to make. If the predictions are wrong, too much or too little will be made. Companies do not want to get their forecast wrong. If they get it wrong they either end up with product they can not sell or unhappy customers. Neither of those things is desirable.
Love this comment, and it can be applied to several different situations!
After two years of wearing only secondhand and sustainable fashion, I started to realize new sustainable fashion is for rich people. Some people really can’t afford new sustainable clothing. Also, since there’s not that many alternative sustainable fashion brands, it’s super hard to find good styles.
For resellers, I’ve learned that they can actually buy wholesale vintage with a sellers license. I find this also expensive for people who can’t afford it but it’s definitely worth looking into if you want to avoid the thrift store.
Thank you! I feel like nobody really talks about how a lot of sustainable/ethical brands only really cater to the minimalist style - you get 3 shades of neutral browns, white, black, maybe a green if they're feeling spicy and that's it. If you like a more edgy look or maybe a preppy one you're generally out of luck.
@@justadinosaur I’ve heard a lot of good things about Lucy & Yak! They’re a sustainable clothing brand that does a lot of fun prints in a variety of colors. They’re also pretty size inclusive, and while their stuff is expensive I feel like it’s still fairly reasonable considering, especially the things they put in their sale section.
You did and are going great! Number one thing I've learned doing CZcams, is that there will ALWAYS be someone who believes you are doing it wrong, aren't doing enough and so on ^_^ We can only do our very best.
You are one of the best out there, Elise! Do what you need to do to make a living! I
Okay, first off, LOVE YOUR CHANNEL, second, thank you so much! As someone who is a people pleaser (thanks childhood trauma) I am always consumed with not wanting to let anyone down but if you’re online that’s literally inevitable! Trying to accept that and just do whatever I feel is best and be confident with my decisions ❤️❤️
Hi, Elise, I love your chanell!❤️
uploaded a podcast with 2 nyc fashion designers creating outfits from second hand clothes, its such a cool concept!
💯 Correct
I think this is SO representative of how the burden of sustainability is placed on the consumer, and not the actual companies themselves. The COMPANIES are responsible for their social and environmental impact, not us. Yes we as consumers can choose more sustainable options, but as you’ve mentioned, those have problems within themselves!
Anybody who says "thrift stores aren't for you" is missing the point of thrift stores.
Especially if a thrift store is connected to a charity/ job placement.
Exactly. People need to stop gate keeping stores literally meant for everyone. I thought most of the stuff in thrift stores ends up getting thrown away anyways, we might as well try to reduce that number.
@@theprettypaw4615 it’s not that ppl are gate keeping thrift stores it’s that thrift stores were made for ppl who were in need and in the lower class to afford clothes. Now we have kids who literally can afford anything going into thrift stores just bc. When I was younger I didn’t tell kids that half of my closet was from goodwill bc at that time it meant that you were “less fortunate” now today it means your trendy. And this is the reason why thrifting cost so much now bc most of the consumers don’t actually need those clothes, most of those consumers aren’t lower middle class to lower class.
@@christelleilmet3601 I think it has to do with the commodification and the “working class aesthetic” that many rich people want to part take in. Similarly to how rich kids can afford to spend hundreds/thousands of dollars in SHEIN when they don’t need to, but want to.
@@misshauntcouture I’m really happy most of the big thrift shops here in Sweden are connected to charities and help people to get work experience while they are on disability or unemployment
It sounds like you could be experiencing burn out.
I work for a charity, I try to be as ethical as possible in my decisions, low waste, sustainable etc in as many areas as I can reasonably do. But I can't do it all. For example, I still use Amazon even though ethically I know I shouldn't...but there comes a point where you have to say "I can't do it all" and draw a line on your time, energy and put a price on how far you're willing to go yourself before you burn out.
I think we've all grown to like you for YOU and would watch your channel, I think watching people try to make good decisions is better than watching people who hollowly pretend they are making good decisions xx
Burn out hit me HARD which is why I think I fell into this anxious cycle because I was just trying so hard to not make anyone mad but literally it’s not possible! We are all just doing our best! Really appreciate you and I think being honest about the things we do that isn’t “sustainable and ethical” is important, although it scary because then it can be attacked but it shows how hard it truly is the be perfect and that we are human! Even if we are doing one thing at least we are doing something ! ❤️
Thank you for saying this about Amazon as well. I've felt bad about using it regardless, but I also know there are a lot of things I can get on there that I cannot get anywhere else. I always try to go third party on Amazon when I can and buy in person from local stores too, but I cannot do it all. You are right. For clothes, I mostly buy from thrift stores or SOMETIMES new and if I do I make sure its something I'm going to wear for a long time and not just once or twice.
@@MsLPSFOREVER I hate Jeff Bezos with a passion but I am a prime member. But I joined because of pandemic I live in Ontario and a lot of things were closed if your store wasn’t considered essential. Basically if you weren’t selling food or medicine your store was closed. I also live in a city where there isn’t much shops here in general.
"Why can't brands just be good" SO TRUE
Your feelings are totally valid I feel like people who promote sustainability/ethics are expected to be perfect, which sucks because nobody expects anything from people who don't promote sustainability.
I love your thrift hauls! Don't stop just because you can't tick all the boxes 💕
Thank you love! Definitely won’t be stopping thrifting altogether, just not a massive thrift haul every week 🥵 my closet just CAN’T 😬
It's expensive to be good. Capitalism wants to keep things cheap to produce so they make a bigger profit
This is so true. The most sustainable clothes are the ones we already have in our closet. Period. If we wanna fix our consumption habits, we need to slow down, stop anxiously looking for the next trend. Thrifting is great but lately on social media it feels like another trend and it shouldn’t be that way...
at least in the US, thrift stores are ABUNDANT with clothes! most thrift stores don't put out even 20% of the inventory they have at a time. especially at the bins where you go, those clothes will go right to the landfill if they're not purchased! all this to say, I support everything in this video! thank you for your input!
I’m just going to say this one thing-
You are NEVER....and i repeat...NEVER going to be able to make everyone happy.
You have to do what makes you happy girl.
A simple sentence that my golly is so hard to get into my head sometimes 😭 being a people pleaser has followed me my entire life and now into CZcams! Definitely working on it and just really appreciate this 💛
Exactly! In reality you can’t really cater to everyone’s needs/wants/beliefs....there will always be someone who will oppose you no matter how hard you try. That’s human nature....we have different minds.
Put it this way, if I post somewhere...sayin I like apples. Someone out there might comment....ARE YOU SAYING BANANAS ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH??ARE YOU SAYING BANANAS ARE JUST FOR THE POOR?? etc. Even though that’s not what I meant at all! Sometimes I just think that’s people’s way of venting out from whatever shitty things happening in their life. They just don’t know how to release it properly, ya know....
Just do whatever makes you happy as long as you’re not killing something/someone (just wanna make it light)✌🏻🙂. You’re doing fine❤️.
i agree but people do still have a social responsibility to minimize the damage that they are causing to other people. the main thing is stopping and thinking "is this actually going to hurt someone or will it just make them angry?"
Things are never black and white. We live in the grey, but expect perfection of others. I’d like to know how perfect the critics are. I can’t imagine how stressful it must be to always be thinking about how every word you say will come off to an audience of many tens of thousands. The pressure would break me and keep me from doing anything, so the fact that you’ve been able to power through is admirable. Your intentions are clear, to me at least. Thanks for opening up.
this comment perfectly sums up my thoughts!!!
Thank you love! I think I started breaking, to be honest, which is why I felt like I had to make this video. I needed to be able to finally share this internal battle I’ve had with myself and also release the pressure as well. Very much appreciate you ❤️
I was coming here to comment very similarly! I actually work in in the clothing industry and and these things are not black and white and there isn’t a simple answer to sustainable clothing. Even professionals disagree on the best materials etc. It is not an easy topic to navigate and there are many ways to be more sustainable and for starting companies, it might not always be able to do all of them. Specially in the beginning. I could talk about this until the end of times, but I feel like I already went past the topic that started this comment on. 😅
My frustration with the sustainability movement was summed up when you said “if you’re not doing it 100%, then you shouldn’t be doing anything at all.” Yess! So many people have that attitude towards sustainability! It’s such a gatekeepy mentality. When the whole point of the movement is to be wide-spread! Sustainability will only reach its ultimate goal if it’s able to catch on to everyone! It has to start with people making small changes because not many people are going to do a complete overhaul of their entire life. The best part about the movement is that there’s always at least one or two things that everyone can do to better their lives. Only a handful of people being 100% sustainable will not make more of a difference than thousands of people who are doing one thing differently and who are encouraging companies to change as well. The movement is greater in numbers.
okay but here’s the thing. thrift stores ARE for you. thrift stores are for anyone and everyone. i’m so tired of the gate keeping and making these “movements” so unattainable due to the pressure of perfection. you’re doing nothing wrong. if you want to cut down for you, go for it. but overall, as long as you’re being intentional, who cares.
I think went people say thrift stores aren't for people like OP, they mean that she *can afford* to buy sustainability. Thrift stores weren't even made for sustainability, although it's been a great byproduct. Speaking as someone who grew up going to thrift stores before it was cool, they were made to give people who couldn't afford new clothes/things a chance at dressing ourselves. Everyone going to thrift stores because they're so "cheap" has pushed out the people that need it the most. I don't mind people going but please keep in mind this isnt just something fun to do, this is how people in need sustain themselves and the increase of people going to thrift stores has pushed alot of poor people out 🤷🏽♀️
I see so many comments everywhere using the idiotic statement that “poor people” can’t thrift because of people others buying too much from thrift stores or people who resale thrift clothing. 🙄 it’s completely untrue. There is always going to be clothing in thrift stores I don’t get how people think it’s taking away from others. Also a lot of people even if they are “poor” shop at fast fashion websites places like shein are really cheap sometimes even cheaper then thrift stores.
@@kallianamarek1245 that’s totally bs no one is taking away from poor people 🙄
@@danib712 regardless, i just don't think people should be buying shit tons of clothes from thrift stores just because it's cheap. half they time they don't even wear the stuff more than once
@@danib712 EXACTLYYYYY there will always be clothes
Also not pinhole-ing yourself into such a specific channel might help during this time. Do you like to read? hike? Crochet? Vlog? Watch movies, etc? This is your platform to literally talk about and show whatever you want and enjoy. 😊
yes! like best dressed.
I bought some yarn to make a cardigan !!!!! Honestly this pandemic showed me how tight of a corner I put myself into, which is why I feel like I’ve been on autopilot since March because I just needed to survive but after making this video I feel I can finally move on and have fun again! Appreciate you so much 💛
@@alexasunshine83 i would love to see a video of u crocheting or maybe like a mini tutorial? or supply haul
Yes! I would LOVE some reading vlogs ☺️
@@alexasunshine83 Starting with a whole sweater is ambitious. I would gently recommend something like a scarf or hat as a first project and then graduate to a cardigan. You want some 'easy wins" at the beginning of any new hobby, to avoid getting overwhelmed and frustrated and dropping the hobby.
To be honest I think decluttering and thrifting fits together because if I don't love it anymore and resale it someone else could be really happy to buy it... :)
People change and so do their style and buying everything brand new and fast fashion is way way worst
I agree. Part of sustainable/eco friendly fashion is changing your idea of clothes being permanently yours. Like Rent the Runway and the likes. It is eco friendly to pass on or sell your clothes that you are not using. Selling your clothes is one way to ensure it keeps being used. Everyone chooses to spend their money in different ways and it is not a valid criticism to analyze the way someone spends their money. So if someone wants to purchase a lot of secondhand clothes and then pass it on when they no longer want it, there is nothing that is not eco friendly about that or anything to criticize.
As long as you keep the same clothes moving around in the world, I think thay works! Because if my declutering was to just put in a bag and throw it away, hoping someone would pick them up, then that's not sustainable, because those used clothes would not get to new people!
It is sustainable, I think, to decluter, if you decluter in a responsible way. And if that means you are buying second hand clothes, then what's the problem?? You are not buying fast fashion and that's what it matters.
I think there’s so much to it, which is kind of what I said in the video, like there’s always to an extent something valid to the argument on the other side. I think as someone who is online, what I spend my money on is dissected which is a part of why this video came to be 🤷🏼♀️ buying secondhand is way better but when we shift our focus into the same fast fashion mindset (buy a bunch, get rid of a bunch, buy a bunch again) it does still cause harm, again not as bad as fast fashion of course.
@@alexasunshine83 Just because people criticize, it doesn't make it valid. How a person chooses to spend their money is a personal decision. That criticism is almost always from someone trying to take the position of superiority, even when it comes from someone who can't afford to make the purchase. Indulgences and luxuries are not only for people of a certain income level.
@@alexasunshine83 I usually buy second hand clothes in small stores (usually the seller is the owner), and when I declutter (not a lot, but when I do) I give it to my sisters or my nanny to take them to her church. I feel really good about it, because I feel like I'm helping small business (yay economy), and then I give them to people for free, or to people in need.
That is posible because we don't have goodwills here. We do have second hand clothes chain stores, but usually they are more expensive.
In that sense, buying a bunch, getting rid of a bunch, and buying a bunch again is not even close to buying fast fashion!
I love you so much and this video was SO NEEDED. I'm so proud. 💞
Love love love both your channels. I'd absolutely love to see you both connect with the reseller community and maybe even do a video together with some resellers who are very knowledgeable about sustainable fashion and common misconceptions about reselling/common misconceptions about the mission/purpose of most thrift stores ((Nick Waskosky from nci_resale comes to mind, he's fantastic!). I think it would be a great conversation to have at some point. There are garbage people in every community, but overall, I'd like to think the reseller community has good intentions - keeping clothes out of landfills but also make some money in the process (cuz you know...bills to pay and all that ;))
Thank YOU for inspiring me to have courage to even upload it ❤️ love you!
We are all proud of Alexa 🥰🥰
Your anxiety about picking the right thing and making the right choice makes me feel incredibly validated. I quit my career as a makeup artist after learning about the toxins in makeup and pretty quickly, my awareness of my environmental impact cast a shadow over my whole life. 2021 for me has become a race to reclaim the peace of mind I used to have. You are only one person, and you can only do the best you can. I think having the awareness you have is a valuable thing.
Sustainability as a whole has so many aspects to it that it’s really hard to get everything right. This discussion also oddly reminds me of some vegans being critical to those who are trying to cut down on eating animal products but arent quite there yet. I hope everyone is just respectful to each other's individual acts... thank you for talking about this!
Omg! I was just commenting something similar!
Exactly! We are all just trying our best and should be commended for even just trying 🙌🏼 whether it’s sustainable fashion, veganism, zero waste, etc
i completely agree! I have been vegan for 4 years now and with anyone who has come to me to talk ab wanting to consume less dairy/meat I always tell them that going all the way is v difficult especially at first and even if they have one day of the week where they dont eat meat theyre already making a difference:)
Gatekeepers ruin everything. Don't let 'perfection' be the enemy of TRYING to do BETTER. Perfection is never achievable. Doing a little better than you did yesterday is totally achievable. Also, small changes do add up. For example: If everyone in the world just went meatless for one day a week that would have a MUCH bigger impact on the world than if .1% of people go fully vegan. And going meatless for one day a week is a lot more achievable for many people than 100% 'pure' veganism. We should be encouraging small steps in the right direction instead of punishing them.
I 100% agree. I’ve been trying to cut down my meat consumption but it’s expensive to find alternatives. Plus the food deserts that exist across the country prevent people with less money from being able to make these changes with lack of availability as well as too high price tags. You can’t blame the one consumer you need to place blame on the culture, the government, and big companies for not initiating change.
I totally understand how you feel, I thrift just about everything and try so hard not to support unethical brands and business. But I buy my underwear from Aerie and I order Amazon sometimes and sometimes I still buy my shoes fast fashion because like you said you can't thrift everything. And I hate when my friends and family poke fun at me but we're all doing our best 💕
Exactly! Even do one thing should be applauded because literally the system is the complete opposite so at least we are even trying !!
The foremost problem I find with sustainable fashion is how little it actually applies to reusing old clothes. Let me explain - the majority of clothes I own are second hand or passed down from family, therefore, they don’t tend to reflect current fashion trends whereas modern sustainable clothing does. I find that this movement lacks the ability to bring something unpopular or out-of-date back into style, and so it leaves a lot of second hand clothing unused and unwanted. In short, what I’m trying to say is that people in general should try wearing more unpopular clothes, rather than sift through entire thrift stores trying to find a particular item of clothing which reflects current fashion trends.
I just wear what feels comfortable. I don't follow fashion, and I never have. Glad about that. It sounds stressful and expensive.
@@excellentcat3878 same + i'm broke lol
Ooof girl! Preach! Preach! Preach! I completely feel you on this topic! I really hope this video spreads out to the masses cause there are plenty of people who need to hear this truth!!! 👏👏👏👏
I hope so as well! I know how much this whole internal argument has literally torn me up inside and I just want people to know it's okay to just do what you think is best because there will always be someone on the other side saying you're wrong (no matter WHAT that decision is) 😬 Thanks so much for watching girl ❤️
Everything you said here was so thoughtful!! Resonated with A LOT of your points. Just know, regardless of naysayers or the comment section, YOURE DOING AMAZIN SWEETIE and are inciting true change about how ppl view fashion.
literally crying 🥲 thank you Kaiti! 💛
Love your videos kaiti!
There’s something inherently unethical about almost everything in modern life and sometimes you have to prioritize what will make the biggest impact for your efforts. Is heckling and nitpicking people who are genuinely on a learning journey really going to change ingrained unethical business practices? 🤷🏻♀️ I know it helps me when you review sustainable and ethical brands. Even if they’re bad you are transparent and let us know that, and that is the point, so consumers can continue to make better choices and have different options that work for them
I mean...charity shops/thrift stores are so overloaded with donated clothes they have to get rid of them by exporting them to developing countries or throwing them out. I’m skeptical about “gentrification” of thrifting because these shops aren’t running out of inventory anytime soon.
The problem people usually have isn’t just the amount of clothing but the average price of thrifted clothes is going up and becoming more expensive yk
@@ursamajor8549 Could the higher price of thrifted clothing also be linked to the fact that the cost of living has gone up also? They still have overheads such as renting the building, electricity, insurance etc. All things that have gone up in price and so the price of goods need to go up, too, to cover the difference?
@@itsnotcayla9607 yeah but that doesnt make sence. People were previously buying second hand because it was cheaper than fast fashion (ie h&m, primark,...) But bow that these prices have gone up because of gentrification and the rise of online shopping. Its now cheaper to purchase fast fashiok online from stores like Romwe or Shein. The point here being made is "Why do I have to buy an expensive piece of clothing second hand when I can purchase it online for cheap".
Yes! The store I work at gets literally hundreds of clothing items donated per day and when things don’t sell they go to other stores and eventually out to other countries. Maybe it depends on the area you’re in and how many thrift stores you have but there’s SO MANY in my area and none of them are in desperate need of clothes because we get so much donated as it is. Also I see people talking about how plus sized clothing is hard to come by in thrift stores but my store doesn’t have that problem at all. I think if people actually worked at a thrift store they wouldn’t have these weird ideas.
the problem is that these stores are still hiking up the prices and that just makes inventory harder to leave the store
Thrift stores dont even exist where i’m from, people in my country just dont buy second hand, so i dont buy second hand. I do consume fast fashion, but i buy two blouses once a year maybe, i am still wearing tshirts and jeans and shoes i first bought new six years ago... i dont know if i am sustainable or not, but i try to consume the least possible. I’d rather everyone bought less instead of a few people being the most sustainable on earth, i guess. Reduction instead of elimination is more effective for getting people to change their behaviors
THAT. Thrift stores are rare in my country, especially when you're not from a huge city. And it's most of the time either only creator clothing either only for small sizes. I buy fast fashion like once a year, and take care of my stuff, which lasts several years unlike what people are pretending about it. Most of my clothes aren't ethical but when the ethical ones cost more for a white tshirt than for a full outfit, we have the right to make that choice.
I’d love if you did fashion challenge videos where you could only use stuff in your closet to match different aesthetics. I feel like a lot of people buy a whole new wardrobe every time they shift styles and I think it’d be cool to see you make stuff out of what you have
Yes!!! I’d love some aesthetic videos
Yes! That sounds like an amazing idea!
Yes! Like pick some inspo outfits on Instagram or Pinterest or celeb photos and try to recreate the look with clothes you already have.
@@lestranged ooo that’s a really good idea!
I love this idea!!!
when i read the title i was like 😳😳 but i’m so excited to hear ur pov! everything u say is so well thought out!
Thank you love, was really scared to upload this 🥵
Maybe instead of a haul, you could highlight gems on online thrift stores, without having to buy them. And maybe give tips on how to better use the second hand sites to find the good stuff
Great idea!
Oh my gosh! This is exactly what I’ve been going through.
As an designer with a small-batch eco-friendly brand, it’s especially difficult when deciding on everything from fabric to packaging. Raw goods are especially EXPENSIVE and so is the labor.
On top of that, there’s so much talk about sustainability and ethically made goods, but then a portion of the community complains about the cost. When it comes to size inclusivity, those of us who have offered sizes over an XL literally sit on inventory. People say, “be size inclusive”, which I completely agree with, but realistically, those are the last sizes that are purchased and that’s IF they’re purchased.
If you see this comment and really want the ends and outs of what we deal with to make sure we’re offering quality, sustainable, ethically-made garments, just let me know. I think it’s important for consumers to be well-informed in that regard.
What I like about you the most is when you find something cute at the thrift store but you don’t necessarily need it you say “I’ll leave this for someone else” and I think that’s what makes all the difference, all your points here are extremely valid and behind everything you do their is kindness so always remember that, love your videos💛💛
I think before I would buy anything and everything that was “cute” but really want to start implementing more habits of being intentional! We can still thrift, but being honest with ourselves is key! PLUS I love thinking of the person who is just stopping at the thrift store because they’ve had a bad day and BAM they find that top or dress that I put back and it’s given them a smile 🥲
So true about not being able to find everything in a thrift store! I personally rarely can buy pants from thrift stores because of my proportions so it makes more sense for me to go to a store or order from a website and get multiple sizes to ensure that they fit and I’m not wasting my money. Especially now when you can’t try anything on in stores at all so buying pants from a thrift store is a gamble. I’m glad you took the time to make this video because I think a lot of people are feeling the same way and it feels like over the last couple years people have been hyper aware and critical about what people do in regards to sustainability and ethical consumption.
Yes! Honestly with dressing rooms closed, I think that has also made it hard to even enjoy going to the thrift store because I don’t want to buy something and not have it fit, it almost makes the buy not intentional because I have no idea what it’ll look like on my body! You totally feel me and it’s better (in my opinion) to buy a fast fashion pair of jeans then say 5 pairs of thrift jeans that don’t even fit 🤷🏼♀️
For me it's also difficult to buy jeans because Iam really short and they never have some that fit me 😟 So i have to buy them from a fast fashion store or somebody gave me some clothes as a gift an they are never from a thrift shop☹️☹️☹️ I am so sad because of this and it makes me feel really bad when i cant do everything perfectly. Also here were i live some people are disgusted when you say you buy something from a thrift shop
I use the website "good on you" to search for brands based on if they are ethical. Most companies that treat the workers right and don't pollute the planet are sustainable. I think it helps because all I have to do is type in a search engine, which we all do on the internet anyways, and makes it less stressful to research brands.
Now, I am also pretty minimalist and do not care about fashion brands or their trends. (Gucci, and the like) That doesn't mean I don't care; I don't leave the house if I look like trash or don't match colours enough (my paralyzing perfectionism), but I don't buy so much. I buy stuff when I actually NEED to replace an item, I upcycle clothing to keep using it for as long as I can, and I don't bother with fashion trends. I feel good, I look good. Who cares if it's designer or not?
So, I avoid places like H&M, but I am also aware that 1. Many people are not aware of fast fashion 2. Many people are trapped in consumerist mindsets and 3. Income and price affect A LOT of people, and many more sustainable brands are expensive. (As to pay their workers and companies more, for materials, etc.) So, it's not always the customer's choice.
However, I think only owning clothing that you really love, wearing it a lot, mixing matching, upcycling, and so forth can help a great deal. For instance, say you got a t-shirt with a logo. It gets a hole in the bottom. You can 1. cut other holes and wear a tank under it (or not) for the ripped look, or 2. cut off the bottom and have a new crop top. This will extend the lifetime of those clothes, and let you wear them in various styles. This is just one of many things I have done.
So, all in all, I hate fast fashion and have gone more sustainable, but I realize not everyone is able to do so. Furthermore, I find that if you consume less, save up, and get stuff you REALLY want, you can start to afford more of those sustainable items. (Yes, I know, not everyone has the time or money to save up, and they need clothes faster when things have built-in obsolescence (i.e. they break faster), plus, these alone won't solve the inequalities of consumers or capitalism, BUT, these may help some people. If my advice can aid even ONE person, I've done something right.)
I hope this helps.
This is helpful advice, thank you!
This is amazing! My biggest issue is that people bully others not understanding their economic situation when in reality it should be these companies that should be thinking about their workers and their impact on the environment. It’s THIER responsibility, and while we all need to do our bit, these companies are the main problem. And will continue to cause damage regardless of whether we buy from them or not.
I feel like even apart from the sustainability aspects, doing the same thing again and again has to feel repetitive. I'd love to see some different videos as well! Here's a few ideas:
1. Wearing things from your closet that you don't really wear!
2. Outfits from scratch.
3. Using old/spare fabric for accessories' DIYs: scrunchies, headbands, cat toys, masks etc
4. DIY home decor, some times maybe easy thrift flips for decor you find at thrift stores.
If anyone has more ideas, please leave them below. We love you Alexa, and we'll be here to see your channel diversify and grow even more! ❤️
I've made storage solutions from fabric scraps. Might do a series on my channel. I have a tutorial on my channel on how to turn a button down into a packing cube!
Love these ideas!! Thank you so much for your comment and supporting me 🥲 I’m excited for this new chapter!
@@alexasunshine83 happy to be of service, milady ❤️ lots of love to you 🎉
I feel like everyone that is trying to be sustainable & ethical is struggling with so much of these conflicting feelings. I appreciate you being so honest & vulnerable. I'm excited to see whatever you decide to do with this channel. I'll keep watching!
Ultimately, there are good and bad sides to every single thing in the entire world. As you said, perfection is unattainable. Perfection doesn't exist, no matter how hard we wish it did. What's important is to make the best choice you can with the resources you have and the resources you need.
thanks for acknowledging the gentrification happening in thrifting. i grew up buy secondhand bc of income and there were some great finds, now that it’s “hip” there’s such a markup or people buy out all the nice clothes to resell. it sucks
something we all really have to remember is that there is no ethical consumption under capitalism. that's a simple fact. that doesn't mean that we should all stop consuming because obviously we can't. it just means that we as individuals should do the best we can but it's really not us who need to change on a microscopic level, it's the whole system. so even if it feels like the weight of your choices are super critical, and they are important, you buying one pair of fast-fashion shoes isn't the end of the world. so you continue to do you - you clearly are thinking critically about all of your choices and about your content. as long as you continue to make informed choices, educate yourself and use your platform to educate others (and that doesn't mean always making definitive claims like 'going to the thrift if better' or whatever, it can also mean having meaningful conversations like this one with your audience!!), I think you're doing a good job.
Yes! Really love this comment !
'no ethical consumption under capitalism' makes me feel a bit better. Right now not going to the thrift stores, but also need clothes to wear. I gave up fast fashion years ago... Now that I'm not a teenager anymore, I'm suddenly "plus-size" (size 14/16) and so many of the sustainable brands don't offer plus-size. So I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place... But if I'm thinking critically about it, intentionally make a purchase I know I will use over and over again, I should be able to feel more comfortable in that..
@@YourFriendlyInsuranceAdjuster this. I needed a shirt for an interview and I felt like I had to thrift but knew it would take a long time. I had literal guilt buying a fast fashion shirt last minute. It shouldn’t feel like a guilt trip!!!!
Ah yes. A fellow commie
I know exactly how you feel! I used to buy from the Reformation a couple times a year, then turns out their CEO is racist. I stopped supporting them, and pretty much all “sustainable/ethical” companies that are on the larger side. I’ve started supporting very small businesses that use only second hand fabrics and fairly pay the few employees they have. The prices are still high, but I feel a lot more confident in their ethicality than a larger company like the Reformation or Everlane
What smaller businesses would you recommend?
@@YourFriendlyInsuranceAdjuster check out @ shopheavyflow (or shopheavyflow.com) and @ bruised_peach_shop on instagram! I bought a dress from the first one and spoke to the the founder. She was incredibly kind and helpful! I haven't purchased from the second yet, but I plan to very soon!
I used to be a sustainable fashion stylist in Los Angeles. I worked with top sustainable brands. The irony was- I wasn’t able to wear a lot of sustainable clothing and could hardly thrift bc im a size 14/XL and many of these brands are not size inclusive 😭. I developed an eating disorder because of it. Happy to say I’m now healthy happy, and try my best to shop sustainable but it’s just sad when you want to help this movement but kind of can’t bc of your size. I’ve moved onto another career for unrelated reasons, but it was cool being in this sector of the fashion industry and seeing the difference it can make. A lot of these clothes are expensive as F, it makes sense when you see what really goes into them. But yeah... sometimes I see sustainable fashion as a privilege. I hope it continues to become more accessible and affordable for all. 🌈
Wow when you said how you think about every second when you're filming, about how anything could be misunderstood, miscommunicated, girl I relate to that hardcore. I had a friend who I felt that with and it was exhausting. We're more like acquaintances now. But I put so much effort into being understood, and then I'd look at some of my other friends who were just casually BEING whatever they were, cool and chill, imperfectly. That's been my biggest revelation in life right now, that I can be greatly misunderstood and be okay, and that's normal. But I'll choose my close friends more carefully.
There's something I've been thinking about, and I think it contributes to your discussion: I think there should be more videos on YT about how to recognize high-quality garments, how to spot things that are of low quality and poorly constructed, how to tell when a garment fits well and is flattering, and so on. Because my idea is that if something is of better quality, you will keep it longer and it will last longer. I know there ARE videos like this and I have watched them, but they seem to be geared towards older viewers. But these are things my mom taught me when I was a kid, so even as a teen I'd reject something because it was cheaply made, looked cheap. And by cheap I mean REALLY cheap--I certainly don't have a closet full of designer stuff. In fact the only way I can afford really nice clothing is by thrifting it.
I've worked in both vintage and high end fashion retail and noticed that, 1950's and before, normal people had access to very high quality clothing. They just bought much less of it!
I'm thrilled when I thrift items with natural fibers, bias tape, pressed open seams, tailored details.
I second this! A lot of the time people, people fighting against fast fashion will just be like "wow this looks so cheap", but the problem is that a lot of the time, it just looks normal to me. Plus, it just feels classist/elitist to equate the price you paid with quality when that's not necessarily the case -- the difference between saying something is cheap versus saying something is poorly made
@@spottedstar1123 You're so right. What's interesting to me is that there will be garments from the SAME store and some are pretty nice, but others are very cheaply made, and the price difference is not much. Or another example--a few years ago I really wanted a basic navy sweater, I went to the mall, and I ended up buying one at Banana Republic. It was on sale, but still over $50 which is a lot for me. I tried it on and it looked great and was soft. I was willing to pay more for a staple, basic item. Well, I only got to wear it about 3 times. It started pilling before I'd even washed it once. I was so annoyed that I vowed to never shop there again. I have 2 navy sweaters now that are decent and--surprise, surprise--they are both men's sweaters.
It’s not on CZcams but I’ve been enjoying the podcast Clotheshorse. They have some great in depth discussions on the telltale signs of poorly made garments in the first couple of episodes.
Maybe you can get into sewing? Like thrift flips? Show us while you learn. And maybe you can talk a little more about why fast fashion is so bad. I think a lot of people want to learn. Just some ideas to keep you going! I love your energy!!
Agree. I don't think your channel is going to evolve into full-on sewing, but if you took some sewing lessons and then tried to implement those--take a thrift flip that did not go well and do it again (on a different piece of clothing) pointing out your mistakes and how you corrected them.
Totally! I definitely am not like a full of crafter but I think integrating that more in my channel would be fun! I definitely recommend the true cost documentary! I think it really hits amazing points on why fast fashion is so bad 💛
@@susanma4899 correcting old thrift flips is such a good idea! Another benefit of doing sewing videos is that it shows the horrendous labor practices of fast fashion -- it can take several days of really hard work to make something on your own, so consider how people employed by fast fashion brands are forced to take shortcuts on quality, are paid pennies for their time and skills considering how cheap the final garment is, etc.
Thrift flips often take plus size clothing and cut/sew it down to size. There's hardly any plus size clothing at thrift stores to begin with! :'( I think it's a good idea, but also just still have to be intentional with it.
@@YourFriendlyInsuranceAdjuster I heard about this problem on the internet for the first time like just couple days ago..Is it that bad and is it in the USA? Because in my country(In Eastern Europe) there are more oversized clothing in the thrift stores. My size is between Small and Medium so I sometimes can't find the perfect fit. And I was so surprised, when I discovered, that is not the case everywhere...
I think everyone needs to be learn how to be more empathetic towards others. There are many people who cannot be super sustainable for a variety of VALID reasons. The most effective way is to individually ask yourself, "what can I do to help the movement?". One's answer can be so different to someone else's answer. As long as that individual decides to make any sort of change in their own life, "big" or "small", it can make a positive impact regardless. And that is something we all need to remember.
I feel like I should share a thought: every person can only make a choice based on the circumstances and information that they have at that particular point in time. Don't drive yourself crazy now or later thinking that you should have done it differently. Be the best that you can be with the information you have. We love you for who you are❤.
Sometimes I think people forget get there are other ways to make more conscious decisions with fast fashion other than just supporting sustainable brands. I’d love to see a video on that! You can consciously choose to buy better fabrics that are better for the environment, you can take better care of your clothes and make them last as long as possible, you can choose to buy clothing you love instead of shopping often etc. And aside from fashion there’s so many other facets to sustainability and ways to make small decisions that can help the environment.
You are doing your best and it's impossible to please everyone. My niece is graduating this spring with a degree in environmental studies and general sustainability and she has said it's impossible to do everything right and that sustainable companies are ridiculously expensive. Also, certain things for her are hard to thrift as she is six feet tall. She doesn't judge anyone's decisions and that's why I love her. She is trying to makes change but would never try to make someone feel bad. You are already doing so much more than 99%of the population. You're doing great.
Aw you are so kind and congrats to her from graduating this spring !!!! I think especially as someone with a platform I get over consumed with wanting to be perfect but it just isn’t possible, not in this world where literally everything is almost put against you!
I genuinely believe that in order for sustainable and ethical fashion to be the norm, we need political decisions on clothing, fabrics, wages, imports and so on. We need countries to say "We will not allow this to be imported if children produced it, or if people were not paid a living wage" or "This company cannot open stores in our country before they do this and that to ensure ethical and sustainable production". etc. But since countries and companies won't do these things because it's hard and expensive being first, you get shut out of international markets, your citizens would be upset etc.
Then it's left to us consumers to try and navigate this difficult field. And that creates a competition out of it! Suddenly we look down on people who aren't "sustainable enough" and we want to be "the best"! When in actuality it's the capitalist system that has created this situation, and that keeps us in it. This system makes it impossible for some of us to even find something ethical or sustainable, and then we are goaded for it as well! So shitty. I think we all should be more understanding of each others situations, try to make the best choices we can, and start voting for politicians who want a more ethical world, and then hold them accountable.
I thrift my clothes and house wares. I never re sell clothes, shoes, accessories and home decor. I give everything away...To family and friends. I know young people starting out and give them curtains, kitchen ware, and stuff they need including furniture. My family taught us to share what we have with others. It helps to know what your friends and family like! Sometimes my friends will tell me outright that they will take things off my hands if I don’t want it or need it! So that means it’s easier to know what people can use. I have traded stuff with friends too. There is a little community of sharing and it does not cost money at that point. Students can use help all the time so donations and giveaways help them too! I am glad you speak up for yourself in this context. I am much older and appreciate the movement among young people to be sustainable. Thank you your honesty and inner strength. Integrity is a good thing!
I've seen some videos about "shopping your closet" or "steal the look", and they're the best! Even though these times really don't allow for going out with those outfits, there will come better days. So maybe videos about how to re-discover your closet, especially now when alot of us can't go out and shop? Just a thought! 🙂
Yes! Omg I saw this one video that was like “buying my dream wardrobe but with clothes from my closet!” Think I’ll do that soon! 😉❤️💛
I agree that are definitely grey areas, however there are important aspects to focus on that differentiate the different levels of problematic, buying from fast fashion will always be worse than buying second hand, I think the best way would be to move on to content more focus on how to use what you already have and styling it differently instead of 2 videos a week hauling massive amounts of clothing from the thrift store. I personally also enjoy the videos you do more focus on your life, and would love to see more home decor content.
Totally!!! I think I’ve let hauls be the default versus seeing how I can take the clothes in my closet and do more with it on my channel! I also think my outfit videos *need* new clothes in them which like no, outfit repeating is normal and showing ways to wear the same thing is so important!
@@alexasunshine83 something I really appreciate about your channel is that you often reiterate that buying nothing/using what you already have is more sustainable than buying secondhand or from a "sustainable" company. I would loooove to see "styling what you have" videos:
-"capsule wardrobe" type of thing
-how to wear [basic type of clothing] in # of different ways (stuff like a graphic tee, a slip dress, etc.)
-making [item of clothing] more/less formal
-styling [item of clothing] for different aesthetics
When you compared it to people policing veganism, I was like “that’s exactly what I was thinking”! The fact is, doing something is always better than doing nothing x
Thank you for speaking up about the sizing issues with sustainable brands. There are so few fast fashion free options for us. At this point I try to make most of my own clothes but I'm also disabled so even that presents its own obstacles
Look into Known Supply and NLT, I believe both go up to 3X and have some really cool & timeless styles! (In my opinion lol) :)
You can’t please everybody. Personally I think “gentrifying” thrift stores is still 1,000 times better than purchasing clothes that were made from slave labor.... also there are SOOO many clothes that thrift stores throw out because no one bought them. We need more people to shop second hand whether it’s at thrift stores or resale. The big thrift companies (goodwill, etc) are to blame for any raising of prices, not the consumers.
This!!! The argument about gentrifying thrift stores drives me insane for so many reasons. Of course it's important to acknowledge when resources are being taken from people who need them, but like everything else in the zero waste/sustainability movement, the blame was never meant to be on the consumer. Goodwill and other resale stores have had plenty of controversy (like paying workers with disabilities less than able-bodied workers) and make people feel guilty for supporting them in the first place. The bottom line is, there are still clothes that are going to the landfill because they aren't being bought at thrift stores-the racks aren't empty. Fight for the stores to stop raising prices, but I'd much rather get a sweater from value village than a sweatshop where women are forced into sterilization and aren't paid enough to feed themselves.
@@brittsvids If everyone stopped buying fast fashion those workers wouldn't be getting paid at all and their only other options are even more dangerous like sex work...
Thats an opinion from a place of privilege. Thousands of people have purchased from thrift stores and been called poor or white trash long before it became trendy, and making the thrift prices skyrocket isn't 1000 times better than a damn thing
@@annielistens338 you cannot place blame on the consumers for prices going up! get mad at the corporations. They raise prices and still throw out literal TONS of clothing items.
@@unusunus4613 It's not the consumers decision to under pay workers. As working in sweat shops is not safe and is very dangerous
Honestly..... you can only do your best. It seems like you are a genuine person. Overall it’s impossible to be perfect or please everyone.
I honestly don’t think I realized what I people pleaser I was until recently (probably from childhood trauma) and how I need to just let go because all I can do is my best and no matter what someone will always have something to say 🤷🏼♀️
Yes we're still here! This was so brave of you to post. Slow down! 2020 was a difficult year for all of us, and you have to see how well you've done just getting through it and inspiring people to do participate in the sustainable movement. We can all do something, and it doesn't have to be perfect. Thank you for posting and doing what you do. Take care of you!
You are doing your best and that is so important
Due to the gentrification of thrift stores the prices are going up dramatically. The other day in Sacramento a man who appeared to be homeless, was yelling at the security guard who just kicked him out, because he couldn’t afford a jacket; he just needed a jacket. I looked around and everyone in the store was well-off. The prices for jackets were all above $16! People living in poverty depend on these stores. 95% of my clothing is thrifted and the rest is fast fashion. It’s sad when you can find items at h&m for cheaper than the thrift store! Something is off. The prices are super inflated. You are so right about extremists on any movement. You can’t be prefect, but as long as you are trying to make better choices that’s all that matters. I think that anyone should be allowed to shop at thrift stores; but the problem is that it’s causing prices to rise dramatically. A shirt 5 years ago wouldn’t cost more that 1 dollar; now I can’t find one for less than $5. You are amazing, and I love your videos! I wish You all the best❤️
Agreed about the ridiculous rise in prices at the thrift stores. I actually do the GW outlet bins now and am amazed at the new with tags items in there for ~$2. Also, some of the smaller, charity-run thrifts have more old skool pricing.
Hey! From Oakland 🥰
Very true! I've been on the hunt to find little mom and pop type thrift stores because of this. In a way it pushes people back to fast fashion like you said.
theres a lot more behind ‘gentrification’ than what you think. stores have been raising their prices for a whole bunch of reasons, such as greedy managers, department needs, company goals, etc. i work at a goodwill and we have almost unnecessary department goals which we are expected to make even though we often cant because then we get backlash from customers and its crazy. stores need to be able to pay their rent as well. and inflation! theres a lot more behind thrift stores raising prices and it doesnt necessarily make it okay but theres a lot people just dont realize and understand
also theres lots of churches and charities that can give clothes for free if you really need them badly. theres some church-run or mom and pop or hospitality thrift stores which would be happy to give people some clothes for free if they truly needed it. but i do understand that prices shouldnt be going up but theres a lot more to understand
Yes I totally understand this; but I’m order to get those free clothes, you have to have a coupon, you have to go through a system. You can’t just walk into a store and say I need clothes for free. Many people who are experiencing homelessness can’t do laundry, if anything happens to their jacket or clothes it’s over, no change of clothes. They used to be able to walk into a thrift store and get a jacket for a couple bucks; those days are pretty much gone. But there def is more to it then gentrification I agree.
Im a full time reseller it’s become my job since the pandemic hit in March. You will never make everyone happy. I used to have this talk with myself “am I taking away from people who actually need these clothes”. I’ve had these conversations with goodwill employees who have actually showed me there back room. Pallets and pallets and pallets of clothing that is either going to be bought at the bins or taken to the landfill. When employees of goodwill are telling/showing me what’s going on it makes me feel better. You need to do what makes you happy!
When i lost my parents in 2017, I donated their clothes to a charity that sent unsold clothing to Africa. I thought that was such a great solution rather than sending items to landfill.
THIS! I've been reselling vintage for years and the amount of textile waste I come in contact with daily really puts it into perspective how massive the problem really is. The answer/solution wont happen overnight but little changes like reselling unwanted garments, repurposing and finding new ways to use textile waste is a step in the right direction.
@@ec612 will you stop. You’re under everyone’s comments telling them the steps they’re doing aren’t good enough. This is exactly what I don’t like about the movements. Nothing satisfies y’all critics
Yesss!!! Thank you for this. I've been feeling the same and have been doing a "no buy" period from the 1st of december. We don't need so much stuff. What I also find is you appreciate the items that end up in your closet or home way more if you have a good thought about it and not just buy all the time, even at thrift stores. You're inspiring for saying this and so strong!
This content is so necessary because I feel like I have this conversation with myself internally every single week. I’ve even started sewing my own clothes now because I thought I can have the clothing that I like to wear with less of an impact all around, but then I wonder about the fabric that I’m buying - how is it sourced and made.... it’s just a constant spiral of confusing and anxiety about what’s really sustainable and ethical. I love this content because it’s encouraging to know that even a little effort is better than nothing!! Please keep venting these thoughts! xx
What I’ve noticed from you specifically is that you are starting to buy a lot less. Which let me add is very hard. That’s what I’ve been trying to work at since my thrift trips started to increase to twice a week
“It’s okay if you’re not perfect.” 👌🏻 Yes. This is why I love watching your channel. No matter what kind of video you’re making. ❤️
😭 appreciate you Becky!!
I love how transparent you are in this video! It’s hard when some people want an all or nothing from someone when it comes to making positive impacts. Just do all the good you can do and don’t worry about the rest (:
Honestly, I'll watch anything you decide to post! Whether it's thrifting, fast fashion or sustainable clothing. You seem like such a genuinely nice and good person and I know your intentions will always be good whatever you do! 💛
1. You look beautiful in sky blue
2. Don't let bullies bully you out of sustainable fashion and thrifting. Thrifting is GOOD and there is plenty of clothes to keep the thrift stores stocked with rad clothes for everyone.
3. I love your initial intention for this channel which I think you said was to encourage people to look in thrift stores before turning to fast fashion.
4. You're making a difference in the world. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and passion. Please continue to create content ♥️
I’m so sorry you’re feeling pulled in so many directions. You’re right there isn’t any way to be “perfect” and really just any effort to try to be “better” is amazing. All anyone can ever do is the best they can within their circumstances. Everyone else needs to mind their business and focus on their own stuff. I appreciate you speaking about this un-winnable situation and applaud you for doing your best. That’s what your true subscribers are here for❤️
I really like watching thrift hauls because it keeps me from going out a buying things I don't need because I get the same boost from watching other people get new things, but at the end of the day I watch your videos because I like you! There's plenty of channels with similar content, style and whatnot, but the way you edit your videos, your thought processes, and your positivity is what draws me here! I appreciate you speaking out on this topic, it must have been really tough since this is so different from your usual content. I can't speak for everyone, but whatever content you want to make, whatever turns the channel takes, we'll be here excited for whatever you make :)
I'm happy to see you talking about this! It's so frustrating how people seem to put most of the blame on individuals instead of the companies and systems in place that make it nearly impossible to buy ethically and sustainably. Thank you for sharing 💕
It’s so easy to criticize when you’re on the other end of a screen. I started thrifting because I saw your and Carrie’s videos. It’s hard as a plus size person. Just be you. It’s ok to grow and change too. It’s your content and your channel. If you are worried about losing subscribers you’ll gain different ones. You don’t have to be the same person you were. Tbh I like watching you shop more than the actual “haul” part. Also I liked the trying on portion 🤪 in the dressing room when we can do that again. Also remember the negative comments you get are most likely about those people themselves and not you. Hurt people hurt people to make themselves feel better. There’s a new movement going on Instagram called intentional thrifting Windycitythrifter talks about it greatly and another is enclothed cognition that you can dig into. I hope this helps. There’s lots of ways to promote other woman who are thrifting too. I’d love to see some collabs with really small accounts! Honestly you really are my sunshine on Sunday mornings especially right now in dreary Chicago!!! Keep growing and being open!
Great comment 👍
OH MAN WHAT I WOULD DO TO BE ABLE TO USE THE DRESSING ROOMS AT THRIFT STORES 😅 one day when it’s safe! But honestly that’s where the true fun came from with thrifting and I think just buying it for the haul has taken that passion out. Really appreciate your comment and I think shifting to intentional thrifting is where my mind is at 💛
This is great. Focus on the positive impact and not the criticism. If your thrifting video gets 100 people to buy secondhand , then that is a net gain for the Earth.
@@gailsch Huzzah!!!
@@alexasunshine83 Agreed all the way to the closet!! 🥰
I totally didn't realize people would critice you because of shopping second hand and sustainable and I'm sorry that you feel so anxious about it. I don't understand why people would say that, everybody has their reasons, you don't have to agree with everything.
I didn't realize it because I was busy enjoying your vids haha. As for ideas, I would like to see more of your life like vlogging or just sit down videos like this where you just chat :) ❤️
Appreciate you! I’m happy I uploaded this video because I feel it’s forced me to not open up and now I just feel a weight off of my shoulders!
@@alexasunshine83 that's great!!
When I found your channel back in 2019 I was OBSESSED and inspired! I think your channel has inspired me and a lot of others to be more intentional with shopping & i love it! 💗 I understand your frustrations, just do what you think makes you happy! it’s not like you’re promoting your audience to get an unsustainable amount of hauls & declutter every season. I know that you’re very intentional & are trying your best & I hope you don’t feel so anxious about the content you create 🥺 💫 ideas that aren’t hauls: recreate 90s/Y2K cartoon character outfits. Recreate Friends/mean girls/clueless inspired outfits, wearing monochromatic outfits for a week. Or just a good ol chatty GRWM!
YES! this video addresses so many thoughts that have been circling my mind over the past couple months about sustainability and fashion. i'm so glad you addressed these issues. we obviously want to make ethical choices but there's going to be negativity from all sides of the table and i think it's just about doing what we can. we can make every attempt to do our best, but we are human and we do fall short. and i think it's important to show grace when people are unsure about what the right thing to do is. thank you for using your platform to talk about this! :)
I feel like you make a lot of good points and appreciate you opening up the discussion and sharing your frustrations around “ethical” consumption!! I’m sure a lot of people can relate and it means a lot to hear you are trying to learn and continue to develop your channel to be inclusive. I’ll definitely stick around regardless of what videos you make because although your fashion related videos are inspiring it’s your bright personality that makes your channel such a warm exciting place! hugs
Awww thanks Caroline! Definitely will still be doing fashion stuff, just not as massive of a focus on hauls 😬💛
completely understand what you’re saying!! think there is so much pressure on people to consume/behave absolutely perfectly, when it’s an unattainable goal because there’s always an argument for/against doing something. you’re doing great though, remember we watch these videos for because we love Alexa!! whatever content you put out will be awesome, because it’s what you’re creating!! sending good vibes ☀️
You totally got me Molly!!!! That’s been the tough part, letting go of that need to be perfect because it literally doesn’t exist! Very much appreciate you !
@@alexasunshine83 💛💛💛
I watched Carries video the other day and thought the same thing that I think about this video... At the end of the day, this is your channel. You CANNOT let random internet people dictate how you run YOUR channel. Make the fast fashion hauls, do the thrift hauls, do the sustainable fashion hauls. The people that love you and are here for YOU, do not care. We know that you’re just doing the best that you can.. So make the content you want to make. The end🤍 Love you girl
Sending you so much love, Alexa. The thrifting/sustainable fashion movement is so much more nuanced then people seem to think it is. At the end of the day, I feel like it’s just figuring out how to strike a balance between sustainable brands, second hand and brand new fashion that you are comfortable with. That’s not an easy balance to find, and I think people need to have the grace to let you figure that out for yourself. You’re doing amazing work by encouraging people to second hand. I’m here to support you and your journey and whatever twists and turns it may take! 💕
Yes! So true Kayla ! Thank you so much for watching and just supporting me 😭💛
always supporting you no matter where your channel goes! i’m a teen who used to go to the mall all time with friends but because of you i’ve almost completely stopped buying fast fashion. it was also because of you i became super interested in the harm of fast fashion so i spent hours researching it. so grateful for you and always supporting! ❤️❤️
Aw omg that means soooooooo much !!!!!!! You are amazing 😭
In a pandemic and the US being on fire basically explains 2020. Thank you for being so honest with us. ❤️ whatever you decide to do, your real fans will watch and love regardless, because we watch for YOU. 😬
😭 appreciate you and thank you so much for supporting me !!!!!!!
Love this video. I've been feeling very overwhelmed lately by the state of the world and feeling like I'm not doing enough. I recently made the decision to only buy secondhand/thrifted items and I'm very happy with that choice, but I feel guilty about the gentrification aspect and I have qualms with people that buy items just to resell at a higher price on poshmark, which is where I have been buying clothes recently due to the pandemic. I also feel like I'm over-consuming and buying things needlessly when I just wear my pajamas 90% of the time lol, so thank you for validating that I'm not the only one. There's never going to be a perfect solution. I'm learning more and more that you really do have to pick your battles when it comes to making the world a better place. One person can't do it all.
Thanks for making this. This just inspired my first CZcams video because I’ve been very stressed about the sustainable fashion “movement” rn as someone whose niche is fashion. It’s all very overwhelming ❤️
I think it’s more important to be true to yourself than to other people. It’s great you care about viewers, but at the end of the day it’s your life and they have no control over it and shouldn’t. I think you’re doing just fine with everything.
Hey Alexa! One thing that came to mind when you were discussing your conflicting feelings about thrift hauls, was that a potential solution to it could be to go to the thrift store and find a bunch of items to show on camera, but just not buy them all. This could still show people how many cool items one can find when they thrift, without leading you to end up over buying clothes! Just a suggestion, maybe you’ve even already done it :)
Totally! I’m hoping with the pandemic lessens I can do that and hopefully when it’s safe for dressing room try one I can do that again! It’s brings a more fun spin to thrifting with the focus not just being the “haul”
Everything in this video is beautifully said & resonates so much with me. People are so quick to critique as soon as someone decides to put in extra effort in improving their lifestyle (health, fashion, etc), thinking that it’s an all-or-nothing approach when in fact it’s the EFFORT that counts. It’s so easy to have a defeatist attitude after hearing continuous differing viewpoints, but again, even being conscious of your actions and trying to do better is better than doing nothing at all. I really appreciate your transparency and think you’ve always done such a great job of promoting balance on your channel! You’re one of my fave CZcamsrs and can’t wait to see what content you have in store for the rest of the year!
I have really appreciated your resilience during 2020. I feel like you had moments in your videos where you shared vulnerability.
You sharing about trying not to get things you don't need at the thrift stores has helped me think about being intentional.
I see you as a very reasonable and kind person who makes very well thought out decisions. You’re always trying to better yourself and I think you’re doing an amazing job! Stay gold, Ponyboy! ✨
💛💛💛💛
I can’t even imagine how hard it must have been for you to make this video! Society these days has caused people to constantly worry about and please others but that’s just not possible. This was a great video and it truly just shows that we are all just human and we aren’t perfect! It’s all good - you do what YOU need to do for your happiness💛
Most of my favorite pieces from my wardrobe are thrifted and its all because I watched your videos. You are making a positive difference and we appreciate all the effort you put in to make content for us. Its really nice to see you speaking so openly and honesty with us, thank you.
One thing that drew me to your channel was how genuine you are. In every thrift haul, you’ve always been honest and I can tell it comes from a genuine place. In comparison to others who just want to produce content & sees thrifting as a trend. But I appreciate you being vulnerable, no matter what you decide I’m excited for what’s next!
I have the same feelings about my actions and closet. It was nice to hear someone explain in this format. I think it will be interesting to see where this new journey takes you and what we can all learn together
I’m so glad you are addressing the whole controversy of all this
Something that really helped me this year was sewing my own clothes! I started listening to the love to sew podcast and I was able to learn more about the makers and artists behind different patterns. It’s a lovely community dedicated to accepting different bodies and highlighting different small businesses. I think it might be cool if you tried a series where you made some of your own things!
You've still inspired a lot of viewers to question where they purchase clothing, and the greater impact of those choices, and given us insight into options for sustainable purchases, and that is still a win!