All in Slow Fashion

PonyBabe || Effortless "Lifewear"

PonyBabe || Effortless "Lifewear"

Olivia Youngs
Slow Fashion

Watching new brands come to life is one of the most exciting things about being involved in the ethical fashion movement. I first discovered PonyBabe at the very launch of their Kickstarter campaign. I marveled as Rachel, the designer, owner, and one-woman show behind the brand, built her first collection, the "24-hour outfit," using the donations of backers, in women-owned factories in Brooklyn, NY. I saw her brand come to life, release that first collection, and lay out plans for the next one. 

Feller Shades || Wooden Sunglasses That Give Back

Feller Shades || Wooden Sunglasses That Give Back

Olivia Youngs
Slow Fashion

I've always loved sunglasses. For as long as I can remember, a pair of sunnies always seemed like the most versatile accessory to any outfit. I went through the giant "bug eye" sunglasses that are much to big for your face phase, the aviators phase (which I'm still kind of in, I won't lie,) and the cheap-o pair from Forever 21 that breaks within 16 minutes of leaving the store phase. 

The only phase I think I've yet to hit is the "lifetime commitment" sunglasses phase. The kind of sunnies that real adults wear. The glasses you reach for over and over, wear with every outfit, and keep safe and sound for years to come.

Feller Shades has eased me into that phase of my sunglasses journey with their handmade, wooden, endlessly classy and unique glasses. 

My Motherhood Essentials Simplified || With MATTER Prints

My Motherhood Essentials Simplified || With MATTER Prints

Olivia Youngs
Motherhood, Slow Fashion

Motherhood is rarely simple. In fact, in my experience, it's usually the opposite. 

Whether you're sorting through "must have" lists during your first pregnancy, unsure of what you really need and what you can go without, or are dealing with piles of gifted toys from well-wishing relatives for your little's birthdays, raising kids comes with a lot of stuff. Most of which, isn't really essential. 

I've talked many times about how becoming a mom at the young age of 20 was what catapulted me into my love for slow living. Downsizing, living with less, and going through the mundane everyday as intentionally as possible usually feels like it opposes the "natural" flow of stereotypical motherhood. 

One Tee, Nine Ways || Sancho's Dress Capsule Collection

One Tee, Nine Ways || Sancho's Dress Capsule Collection

Olivia Youngs
Slow Fashion

I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but hear me out. 

If you're working on creating a minimal, intentional wardrobe that flows and works with your lifestyle, there's one word that you should always, always keep in mind. 

Versatility. 

If I've said it once, I've said it a billion times, but I truly think that after you consider the ethics behind a piece and need for the piece in your closet, versatility should be the very next thing in your mind. 

With each new item I add to my closet, I ensure that I can wear it with (at least) three different outfits, and so today I thought I'd walk you through how that looks in reality with a staple piece that every closet needs: the plain white tee. 

LNBF || Leave Nothing But Footprints

LNBF || Leave Nothing But Footprints

Olivia Youngs
Slow Fashion

The further I delve into ethical fashion, the more concerned I become with not only the hands behind my clothes, but the fabrics behind them as well. 

I'm learning more and more about how certain fabrics and the processes used to create them are either helpful or harmful to both our environment and our bodies. For example, did you know that polyester (the single most common synthetic fabric out there,) is also rated one of the most harmful for your skin? It's made with "synthetic polymers that are made from esters of dihydric alcohol and terpthalic acid" (source). Not exactly something I want to have rubbing up on my skin all day long. Although some of the toxins are removed during production, many of them linger in the garment, and your skin — as your body's largest organ — soaks it right in. 

Load More