The Swoop

Excuse the extended delay on my part. It wasn’t from a lack of interest or a waning fascination with speaking into the void about sustainable and ethical fashion… I haven’t been feeling very well over the past couple of weeks and all extra-curriculars found themselves on the chopping block. This post has sat half completed on my computer, anxiously awaiting its time to shine. I can deny it no longer, so here she goes.

A very close friend of mine remarked after the birth of her most adorable baby that it was time to start dressing like a mom. I have to admit at the time, I made fun of her a bit. It seemed crazy-- we are young and still relatively cute and by damn let’s just keep doing it the way we always have. But her words have stuck with me. I stop and wonder sometimes… Am I dressing my age? What really am I supposed to be wearing at this time in life? Mind you, right now wearing a matching lounge suit (totally appropriate) but occasionally I look down at my pair of cut off jeans and cute mini skirt and think hmmm, is this really me? I’m not saying it’s time to submit my application to What Not to Wear quite yet, but I am conscious of the growing need to consider what is age appropriate.

You can’t become interested in this world of ethical and sustainable fashion without somebody telling you to check out Eileen Fisher. For a while, I resisted. That is the stuff of ladies, I thought. I’m not a lady-- I’m a foot loose fancy free do whatever I like kinda girl (None of those things have or will ever be true) But, my curiosity got the best of me and my electronic self sauntered over to the website.

In all my brand research, it can sometimes be a bit like grasping at straws to form a composite picture of a brand. Not so with our new friend Eileen. There is so much information included “behind their label” that it can almost get a little overwhelming. But, as best as I can understand them, here are the basics, summed up in the brand’s 20/20 vision: Our vision is for an industry where human rights and sustainability are not the effect of a particular initiative, but the cause of a business well run. Where social and environmental injustices are not unfortunate outcomes, but reasons to do things differently.

That’s a pretty lofty statement right there. How does it get translated into the day to day operations of Eileen Fisher? In a lot of different ways, my friend. Without overwhelming us all, what you need to know is this: Eileen is working to make her brand as ethical as possible in all the ways that she can. Toxic dye? The brand is committed to only using safe chemicals when required, but prefers natural and undyed materials when possible. Environmentally unfriendly materials? We have you covered there, with a reliance on organic cotton and linen in addition to the replacement of unsustainable fabrics like viscose from the collection with materials like tencel, chlorine free wool, and recycled materials. Excessive water waste & carbon emission? Eileen Fisher uses a special technique engineered by a fashion industry chemist called bluesign® (There is a trademark. That’s when you know it’s legit.) Opaque supply chain? Eileen is working to fully map the entire journey of a garment before it reaches your closet, information that will soon be shared alongside each article of clothing on their website à la Everlane. All factories are required to meet SAI's comprehensive SA8000 standard, a mechanism for knowing that all factories are safe and employees are appropriately treated. Artisanal support? Many of Eileen’s products are made by artisans all over the world, in as far flung places as India, Japan, and Ethiopia. Human Rights? Eileen Fisher provides higher wages and investments in local communities using Fair Trade standards, in addition to working as a partner to organizations trying to change the name of the fashion game. And that's probably only 25% of the broader ethical Eileen Fisher picture.

It might be a bit mind boggling, but it’s also so incredibly inspiring. And yes, some of these clothes are not quite who I am... yet. I think I’m still a few seasons away from embracing my desire to wear mumus. But I see myself layering in a handful of these choices to help my wardrobe continue to age with me. And yes, I just threw up on my keyboard when I typed that. But no need to hide the truth-- With each awesome day of my life, I am in fact getting older.

Eileen Fisher. This is who I am now.

ONE: This is one of those outfits that I feel like would be featured in Instyle in that “Good for Any Age” section. I love idea this tunic over “tighter” pants not just because it looks chic, but because I don’t always love to share the intimate curvature of my derriere with the rest of the world. Plus, velvet! It’s the best this season!
TWO: This is a WASHABLE top. Don’t blink. You read that right. There might be a way for me to stop depositing a significant portion of my salary with the lovely dry cleaner downstairs. But, if he starts to see me less, will he not call me over when he sees me walking down the street with my fly down?? My mustard obsession continues to run deep with this selection. Is it just me or does it scream fall and also totally compliment my skin tone?! (Insert any skin tone there I swear)
THREE: Again, I can’t get over the idea of these products being washable. BY ME! Whenever I wear a drape-y cardigan at work, I am bound to get some grandmother side comments from my coworkers, but grandmothers seem to have the right idea on this one. I love the go-with-everything color of plus the extra material.
FOUR: Hi. It’s me again, your soon to be best friend, Velvet. Don’t you just dream about who we could be together, what with my roomy sleeves (my friends do call me Kimono after all) and my of the season fabric. Stop resisting me. I’m yours. XOXO.
FIVE: Party in the front, business in the back. I am dying for a pair of leather leggings, but my wallet seems to have a totally idea on the subject. I love how these incorporate leather one one side, keeping the costs down. Plus, because they are made by Eileen Fisher, I can be confident in the ethics of my purchase. With their slightly cropped style, I can see myself freezing my ankles off and being perfectly fine about it
SIX: I don't think any closet is set until that one special work horse black dress arrives. I'm pleased to offer this one for your consideration. I love the sleeves and neckline on this gem. Swipe right or left, it's entirely up to you.
SEVEN: Any item that has cozy, soft, and striped in the name is something I'm honestly not sure I can stop myself from buying. This sweater looks like a wonderful companion for both fall and winter-- I love the boat neckline and the dropped shoulder. Hand me some tea, point me towards the fire, and I'll see you after my nap.