Well, I am really happy with my new six items.

They’re living up to life’s challenges – the weather, little sticky fingers, and being able to go to work, shopping, walk the child and dog around the neighbourhood as well as go to the movies all in one outfit, with a change of shoes and accessories where needed.

I’ve always been a fan of outfits that get you through the whole day. I’m just not a get-home-and-get-changed-into-something-comfortable person. My clothes have to last the daily distance.

Here is one of my new combinations – the black dress from New Zealand designer (designed and made in NZ), Kilt over the Kowtow (also designed in NZ and using organic cotton and with excellent ethics) cotton striped top, and a pair of beaucoops ankle boots (also NZ designed and made in Italy).

I’ve now worn all six items since last Wednesday and they’re all stacking up well.

Taking Stock
I’ve been so pre-occupied with the six items – and then changing them – that I’d almost forgotten the purpose of taking this challenge in the first place. For me, it’s about raising awareness about the negative social and environmental repercussions from Fast Fashion.

I’ll borrow a statement From a Labour Behind the Label article to highlight one nasty:”Whilst the global fashion industry turns over £1.2 trillion annually, the garment workers who uphold the industry work for poverty pay, live in poor conditions and often do not earn enough to cover the basics including rent, food, medical bills and education for their children.” 

We can change that. When fashion consumers demand a better deal for the people who make their clothes, retail brands listen. It’s happening already. Uniqlo and ASOS, two major fast fashion retailers, recently revealed their suppliers, leaving them wide open for scrutiny. Ironically, the transparency has attracted positive feedback. Maybe it’s a PR stunt? That’s just me being cynical.

At the same time they have also made some commitments to improving the workers’ rights in the supplier factories, so whether it’s a stunt or authentic, it stems from multiple ethical organisations, consumers and activists putting the pressure on. You can read more on these announcements at Draper’s Online, here.

So you see, we can make a difference!