Every holiday season I scour the internet for holiday gift guides. This year, I decided I would look for ethically-made and sustainably-sourced apparel gifts after reading more about how the fashion industry lacks social responsibility. Every gift guide I came across lacked in areas such as traceability. Understanding where your gift comes from and who made it adds sentimental value and creates personal ties. As I try to shop responsibly this holiday season, I wanted to share some of my favorites with you all so that you can shop responsibly too.
First and foremost, I would like to highlight some of my favorite brands to shop, then I will pick certain pieces that make an amazing gift for a loved one. For starters: Reformation, Everlane, Patagonia, Edun, 31 Bits, Nau, Dick Moby and People Tree all offer affordable, ethically sourced apparel. Beyond clothes, Haeckels, Etsy, and 31 Bits delve into accessories, skin care and home goods as well. All of these brands stand for something bigger than themselves. What better way to give this holiday season than giving back?
The Fashion Forward Friend
We all have that one friend who always seems ahead of the trend - maybe even off trend. This friend is confident, cool and closely follows the fashion industry. The following pieces I have pulled are out of most people’s comfort zone but prove themselves feminine and unique. Perfect for your 'fashion forward friend'…
Stone Circle Earrings // Circle Sunnies // Wrap Dress // Color Block Sweater
The Brainiac Friend
The following gifts are perfect for your friend who nerds out over the newest scientific discovery, book release or the hottest technology. Sustainability is already cool, but this friend will obsess over this gift because it has a story that others can listen to and learn from. For your brainiac friend…
Book End Set // Eyeglasses // Silk Top // Book Bag
The Outdoorsy Friend
For your outdoorsy friend, the one who stands up for the environment and the beautiful world we live in. These pieces are perfect for the friend who strives to protect the national parks, takes short showers and doesn’t eat meat. The social responsibility each of these companies stands for will please your outdoorsy friend and allow them to partake in the movement to a more sustainable fashion industry.
Patagonia Vest // Packable Into It’s Own Pocket Shirt // Puffer Jacket // Love Your Melon Beanie
The Classic Friend
Most women have one friend who embodies the word classic. Your classic woman friend wears red lipstick, oversized white button downs and relaxed fit jeans. Her jewelry is minimalistic, as is her makeup. For your Classic friend try gifting a few of the following…
Dainty Ring // Twisted Tunic // Best Smelling Candle // Soft Pink Sweater // Rib Short Sleeve Sweater
bSmart this holiday season and shop sustainably because tis the season for giving and giving back.
Understanding where your gift comes from and who made it adds sentimental value and creates personal ties.
Meghan Loftus is a junior at Saint Louis University studying Entrepreneurship and Graphic Design within the John Cook School of Business. She plans on merging her passion for philanthropy and her love of fashion into her future career within the fashion industry. Meghan is a big believer in the power of lip gloss and the Skinny Vanilla Latte. To see more of Meghan's writing and personal style, visit her instagram, @meghancaseyloftus.
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