Swoop Swap

I love back to school season. I love it so much that over the years, this love/obsession has manifested itself in a multitude of ways. Like how I once wrote an article for my high school paper about the joy of buying school supplies. Or the fact that can remember ever first day of school outfit I have ever selected in my life (hey graffiti pattern skirt and red sleeveless turtleneck from 9th grade) Or its current iteration: I am a 30 something year old lady still affectionately referring to back to school season without any school in sight. 

In truth, the best part is the shopping. This season, a few new trends have been grabbing my attention. I don't consider myself a particularly "trendy" person, but I do love to add timely pieces to my wardrobe once in a while. I keep falling in love with new things via the internet but then realizing that these choices aren't sustainable or ethical... and that means I'm not being my authentic self.... and now Brené Brown is disappointed in me somewhere and the truth is I think 90% of my life goals are just making her proud. Therefore, I introduce Swoop Swap. Love something but want to find a more ethical or sustainable choice for it? This is YOUR post. Below, feast your eyes on three fall trends re-interpreted into relatively guiltless purchases. Your wallet is your own business. Neither Brené nor I can help with that. 

TAN OVERSIZED COAT

You might have heard it here before, but I am a lady all about tan. One Christmas many moons ago, I was gifted a beautiful tan coat. To this day, no single item in my wardrobe receives more compliments. The coat has unfortunately begun to show some age and it's time for a refresh-- lucky for us, tan coats appear to be all the rage this season. You might be thinking these two coats look exactly the same and mostly, yes, they do, but I wanted to give you some versatility. This Mara Hoffman coat is a bit darker and if you are feeling monochromatic, just imagine the look you can make with these pants! On the other hand, this Ulla Johnson version is 100% wool and will look great worn open or paired with your favorite belt. 

GEN Z YELLOW

I didn't really understand or embrace when millennial pink was a thing, but I can definitely get behind the supposed trend of Gen-Z Yellow. I love yellow and I am happy that it is taking up some major space in stores at present. These dirty yellow/ gold pants from Reformation check two trends at once: velvet and yellow.  I love a casual, normal way to incorporate more gold into my life. If that wasn't something you were hoping for, consider this top, also from Reformation, that would do great in the work/ non work rotation of your life. Last but not least, I am craving a yellow sweater. This dreamy number is made with 100% Organic Fair Trade cotton in India. I want to pair it with some more yellow and prance around as a sign of the times... maybe with Harry Styles?! Get it??

LEATHER

Yep. I'm going there. If you are a vegan and this is uncomfortable for you, grab a carrot and sit this one out. I am digging this up-cycled Biker Jacket made from vintage garments.  Because this leather pre-worn (i.e. vintage), you will look effortlessly cool the second you start wearing it.  Seriously, no extra effort required. Plus, I love the idea of taking vintage items and re-purposing them into an of the moment look. The new season is also a great time for new kicks- I love these black sneakers which were made in Brazil. They are made from Tilapia leather (that's a thing??) and dyed using Acacia extract. I would love to share with every single person I meet the amazing materials that made my shoes, erring every so dangerously to the side of rubbing it in their faces. Sure, it might annoy them, but I would certainly love every second of it.