Let’s back up for a minute, and I will share a little bit about why I decided to take the leap into sustainability. In the summer of 2017 a boss of mine shared with me about her own journey towards slow fashion. I was familiar with the concept of sustainability and used metal straws and didn’t litter, but hadn’t met someone who actively lived sustainability out--especially not when it came to clothes. She was everything I didn’t expect someone who shopped ‘green’ to be: she was trendy, chic, and pulled together. What surprised me was that when she spoke about how she dressed, it actually sounded simpler than the constant call of shopping malls and Winners and online shopping. It was slow: less pieces, better made, lower price tag (if you take the thrifting route). I decided to take the plunge into slow fashion and just see what came of this attempt.
In the spirit of honesty, I’ll admit that making the shift wasn’t going to require too much of a lifestyle change for me. At the time I was a broke college student and I already primarily thrifted to save money. Also, truthfully, it wasn’t a calculated or thoughtful decision. I wish I could say I was thinking of the philosophical implications of my choices and the greater good: but I wasn’t. I was just interested about this new way of living. So, as I do with so many decisions, I decided to just jump in and give it a try.
I jumped in totally imperfectly andI am glad I did. Maybe I shouldn’t say this, but I think that everyone trying to be sustainable and doing so somewhat imperfectly makes a greater impact than only those who can do so perfectly doing it. If we are being honest, and I’m a big fan of honesty, no one can do it perfectly. So don’t let that stop you.
Despite the looming question of ‘am I even doing this right?’ I found that it was actually fairly simple. Since beginning that journey, there are some simple principles I follow to do my part to ‘buy-into’ sustainable fashion.
The last thing I’ll leave you with is a piece of advice that I need to hear. This past weekend I thrifted 3 or 4 times, and found myself revelling in ALL that I could get for my money (as I often do) and the thought occurred to me, “is this just a substitute for conventional consumerism?” I had to be honest with myself, and put some very unneeded items back on the rack. I think an integral practice for me, and this stage in my journey, is actually actively fighting the thought processes around consumption: even sustainable consumption. But if you’re starting out, don’t stress about that. Start where you are and do what you can as the saying goes.
With all that said. I dare you to jump in. Jump in totally imperfectly. Let the bumps and the learnings of this new world take you on your own sustainable journey. Don’t compare with others, and don’t wince with guilt buying that shirt you love at the mall. Remember, it’s not about perfection. With any luck, your journey towards sustainability will take you to CIG, but I work there so I have to say that ;)
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Welcome to the CIG blog. We started this as a way to connect with you, our customers, to have further conversations about sustainability, social enterprise, and fashion. You can expect a post from us once per month as we dive deeper into who we are and the conversations that happen behind our doors. It’s a New Year, so we thought our first post should (obviously) be about Change. Thanks so much for your continued support!
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2021, we’ve been eyeing you.
The beginning of a New Year tends to be a time of reflection, a time to refocus on goals and make new ones. For many, a New Year is a reminder to improve habits and take steps towards change.
Change is defined as “to make something different or to replace with something else.” The conception of this project started with that key word as we ourselves were going through something quite different - the start of a global pandemic and a lingering uncertainty as to what the future held.
The flip side of our brand is way more fun. We’re really passionate about changing your wardrobe (or finding those perfect staple pieces you’ll have for years). Our team is made up of 3 very avid thrifters, and this is a passion project stemming from a deep (sometimes too deep) obsession with thrift stores. We’ve had those moments where we find something that is absolutely perfect for a price so right that it might make you want to shed a tear. We love to shop sustainably, to save money, and to showcase our personal style in a way that reflects who we are. When we started CIG that was the inspiration: offer sustainable clothing at an unbeatable price. We think that changing your wardrobe becomes even sweeter when you realize you’re contributing to the life transformation that happens at The Calgary Dream Centre.
Here’s to more (hopefully good) change for both you and your wardrobe in 2021!
CIG TEAM
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