Small steps to sustainability

I'm feeling the guilt of consumerism. It's been a long time coming. And while in many ways it came out of a deep longing to not feel poor, the irony is, I find myself feeling more poor because of my choices.

Now, I could go on and on, but the fact is: I've over-purchased, over-indulged and now find myself with a lot of stuff on my hands.

It's not just a case of do a mass clear out and be done with it. I want to understand my own choices; my purchasing habits, the fashion pieces I have collected over time (good and bad) and my desire to make more responsible choices.

Feeling guilt over something doesn't automatically change what you do. Words are great, acting with deliberate, thought-out intent better. As far as words go, I have found myself following a lot of menswear bloggers interested in 'slow fashion' and sharing their tips on the matter.

Many of these bloggers are often seen sporting independent brands. And given that they are independent, they're definitely not cheap. Much like organic food, certain choices come with a price tag. I have my own thoughts on this as the reality is many of us do want to be more sustainable, but purchasing an £85 t-shirt in the name of this, isn't something they can afford to do.

Right now, I want to reduce the items I have. There are many items in good condition that I don't wear anymore and remain part of a version of me long gone. These could find a new home elsewhere. Likewise, there are items I could breathe new life into by looking at new or alternative ways to wear them.

I also don't want to buy anymore items - clothing or accessories - for the remaining part of the year. I appreciate that there is not long left, but I have enough. More than enough even. Clothes swaps don't count, but being honest, I'll be more inclined to focus on what I am keeping, versus what I am selling, vs what I am donating.

My plan is to also try taking more shots of the pieces I am putting together to also see what items I clearly veer towards more and which items aren't getting a look in and why.