Oct 5

Oct 5 When Ethical Shopping Becomes Trendy || How To Build A Closet Of Timeless Essentials

We live in a world of trends. Although it hasn't always been this way, in the Modern era, we've come to believe that clothes are dispensable and that fashion changes quickly. With the womenswear industry unbelievably valued at more than 621 billion dollars (source), it's no wonder that the fast (literally, very fast) fashion industry strives to keep consumers coming back for more.

At least once a week, to be exact.

Although fashion used to operate on a common-sense Spring/Summer, Fall/Winter continuum, most major brands currently operate within 52 "micro-seasons". Conveniently, one for each week of the year, designed to make you always feel off-trend and like your closet is lacking something. Until, you walk into the mall and pick up that brand new cropped sweater or pair of pants that will finally fill the gap.

Until next week, at least.

Oct 2

Oct 2 VETTA Capsule || Introducing the Minimal Capsule

Olivia Youngs

Slow Fashion

You know that feeling of unrest and discomfort when you're inching closer to a mental "crossroads," but you're not entirely sure which path you'll take? I've been feeling that way about my closet for the past few months and, as with every other area of my life it seems, I'm getting used to the discomfort. Not with the type of clothing I own, or the amount that I have, mind you. I'm ultra aware that my wardrobe is made up of some incredible piece by some incredible brands. Uncomfortable in the sense of cohesiveness and completion.

Although I've moved away from rigid capsule wardrobes, I'm longing for the same amount of structure I had in the past. And so for this Fall and Winter, I've decided to use my blog posts and the pieces I'm sent to feature as a conduit for that cohesive-ness that I'm craving and after this season, I'm going to get more creative with my brand partnerships.

A closet can only hold so much, after all.

Sep 28

Sep 28 Daub | Active || Small Batch Active Wear As Unique As Your Adventures

Olivia Youngs

Slow Fashion

One of our biggest reasons for making the move to Colorado was to pursue more active lifestyles. Both AJ and I value exercise, eat as healthy as possible, and think of healthy living more as lifestyle than a workout routine. Before our move, however, we were both living fairly sedentary lives (other than chasing after two toddlers and his job being very physically demanding). We knew that it wasn't the kind of life we wanted for each other or for our kids and so we moved to one of the most active and healthy states in the US.

I've never been the best at working out consistently, but ever since we moved, I've done more yoga, hiked more frequently, and embarked on more outside adventures than in the last year in our old home. It blows my mind how something as simple as loving where you live (and, of course, loving your body) can inspire you to get up and move, even in the simplest of ways.

Sep 26

Sep 26 Slow Parenting || When It's Hard

Olivia Youngs

Motherhood, Lifestyle, Simple Home, Slow Living

I scream "slow down" from my internal rooftops all day everyday. Part of my job involves advertising slow fashion brands. My closet is carefully curated to make getting dressed easier, eliminating decision fatigue. Our kitchen is stocked with healthy foods, meant to make feeding a family of four easier than rummaging through cupboards of unknown ingredients. But one of the most important areas of my life is often the hardest for me to live "slowly" in.

Our recent move is my excuse for every stress in my life, both inconsequential and significant, but it's been over a month and the transition isn't getting any simpler. As we "ease into" (I like using phrases that downplay how difficult it really feels- words like "transition" make it seem neat and tidy, but when is it, really?) our new life, I'm realizing that my approach to parenting lately has been anything but slow.

Sep 23

Sep 23 Plaine Products || A Closer Look

Olivia Youngs

Simple Home

Last month I shared about home goods brand that is doing big things to reduce waste and make organic, clean products accessible to everyone. I've been using Plaine Product's shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for almost three months (I'm about to order a refill- that's how much I love these products) and it's been amazing for several reasons.

Not only do I completely trust the ingredients in these products (read on to see a full list of exactly what is in each bottle...no chemicals or unpronounceable's), it's changed my mindset about waste and how silly it is that the majority of our body products come in single use bottles that may or may not be recycled, and will likely be thrown out.

I'm so excited to share an interview with Lindsey, the brand's founder (along with her sister), where she gives insight into her long term plans for Plaine Products, what goes in each bottle, and more.

Sep 18

Sep 18 Baabuk || Coziness For The Whole Family

Olivia Youngs

Slow Fashion, Simple Home, Motherhood, Slow Living

Home has always been a bit of a fluid concept for me, especially after "settling down" and having two little kiddos. AJ and I have moved around quite a bit and the sense of continual fluctuation can be hard to handle, especially as a self-dubbed "home-body". How am I to create a sweet, welcoming, stable home for my family if our sense of home is never set in stone, changing from year to year or sooner?

As trite as it may sound, I've learned that, more often than not, home is less of a place and more of a state of heart. Our physical homes may change often, and the space may not be ideal, but when you surround yourself with the people you can't live without and the things that make your heart smile, then, I think, you've built a home.